Our hosts took us to the Shigaraki Ceramics Research Centre downtown – soon to be located across from the Shigaraki Cultural Park. The range of clays and glazes they develop is phenomenal and what is impressive to me, is they make their research results available to anyone who is interested – nothing secretive here, but you need an interpreter or you need to read Japanese to get the recipes.
As an extra bonus, there is a small exhibit of master potters, including National Treasure Hamada whose plates I feature below.

Beautiful plates by Hamada – an artist who has influenced many Vancouver ceramacists work through the years..

Akira and Amy examining an innovative way of processing clay

one of the many ways of testing glazes
a chemistry lab that most of us would love to have at hand, but we can benefit by their results!

there are rows and rows of glaze archives
And to top the week off.... on Saturday, David Helmers, an Australian ceramic artist at the residency had a well attended opening of his work at Fukuji Gallery in Shigaraki.

detail of one of David’s pieces – quite the feat in clay!

‘Animal Matter in Enchanted Space’ – by David Helmers
Hello Sister,
It all looks so interesting. Your writing pays high regard to what must be hundreds, perhaps thousands of years of the Japanese working with clay. You are very fortunate to get to experience the world of Japanese ceramic craft first hand.
Much love,
brother
Thanks John! I’m very happy you are reading my blog! I have been fortunate to be here and there is much more to tell….
Love, your sister!
Looks like a fabulous field trip!
Hi Mary,
I like your blog, could you please add me to your mailing list.
Arigato,
Amy
Wow- how fabulous is that! Love the Hamada plates that look like your early work and David Helmers work is enchanted.This is what a life through clay should be like- grand adventures and full circle learning.
The Hamada plates reflect some of your early works, as Kit suggests as well!!
I can see you getting lost in the archives
Fold those images into your work
Shibumi
Ken
Mary thank you for documenting this fascinating journey and how lucky you are to be on it! I can’t wait to see how all of this masterful work will influence your own wonderful creations. Keep on writing so those of us not with you can share your experience.
xo Julie
Thoroughly enjoy reading your posts! What an amazing journey … you’re an inspiration!
Thanks Nanoo – I’m happy you are enjoying it – kind of resembles process of Si’s diary and is a good record for me to look back on. There remains so much to learn!