14-2022 – Akira Satake – Finding the Beauty in Imperfection

Introduction

Akira Satake will lead a hands on workshop involving both the handbuilding and throwing techniques he uses to make his tea ceremony bowls, yunomi, teapots, ikebana vases, sculptural objects and more.Participants will learn how to create rich surfaces inspired by the natural world.

Techniques taught

Some techniques that will be demonstrated are: * brushing kohiki slip on clay slabs and stretching the slabs to crack and distort the surfaces * applying a coating of soft clay onto the surface of wheel thrown or hand built pieces and then altering them * mixing air and other materials into the clay body and then tearing off the clay and/or cutting with a wire to create the shapes * glazing for Wood firing and Gas firing * loading wood firing kiln (train kiln) and gas kiln * firing wood firing kiln (train kiln) and gas kiln

Teaching Method

Akira Satake will share his experience and knowledge in a discussion of the Japanese aesthetic. Participants will gain insight into finding the beauty in imperfection, the meaning of “wabi-sabi,” and the importance of “ma” — the space in between.

Logistics

On every classday, a delicious meal will be served. Lodging is included as well. The workshop is suitable for all levels.

For participation, a  Covid 19 Vaccination Certificate is required.

The Artist

Akira Satake was born in Osaka, Japan and has been living in the U.S. since 1983. In 2003 he relocated from Brooklyn, New York to Swannanoa, North Carolina. The Philadelphia Museum awarded him the National Award for Excellence in Contemporary Clay.  A Craftsman’s Legacy – a national weekly television series on PBS, featured his life and work. Akira is widely sought after for workshops, lectures and exhibitions and has been invited to France, Belgium, Israel, Australia, Spain.Hong Kong and Bali.Collections: The Mint Museum and The Phillips Collection.

Artist Statement

For me, the act of creation is a collaboration between myself, the clay and the fire. Collaboration means finding what the clay wants to be and bringing out its beauty in the way that the beauty of our surroundings is created through natural forces. Undulations in sand that has been moved by the wind, rock formations caused by landslides, the crackle and patina in the wall of an old house; all these owe their special beauty to the random hand of Nature. The fire is the ultimate random part of the collaborative equation. I hope the fire will be my ally, but I know it will always transform the clay in ways I cannot anticipate. www.akirasatake.com