My art works express my cultural thoughts and joy of life through the creation of ceramic ware. I strive to convey my artistic thoughts, reflecting the unique combination of my younger upbringing in Japan and my current living in the Bay Area.

 

My past and present art works include Raku* Kimono, platters and vases, which I believe exemplify the beauty and cultural depths of Japan while rendering soothing colors and joyful expressions. The outcome of Raku glaze and firing often leads to unpredictable colors and contrast, and yet it is infinitely promising.

 

My fascination with ceramics' limitless creativity started in 1971 when I first hand-made vases and platters at a local church in Los Angeles. Thereafter, I formally studied ceramics at Palomar College in San Diego and Foothill College in Los Altos, CA to master delicate techniques in throwing, glazing, and firing. For many years I have participated in numerous local art shows such as Silicon Valley Open Studios, Midori Kai, Los Altos Fine Art Show, Art for ORT, Filoli, Pacific Art League, Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco, and Gallery 9 in Los Altos.

 

*Raku, a 400-year-old Japanese firing method, uses low firing and reducing to bring out a delicate, earthly appearance. My works also include soda glazing, whose basic techniques in the U.S. traced to early German and English settlers, that can bring out a pleasingly natural color and earthly texture of flame pattern. Using these different methods of firing, I create ceramics with a one-of-a-kind look and feel and pleasing qualities.

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PAST SHOWS INCLUDE:

Foothill CollegeFoster City Open StudiosTown Hall

River GalleryFort Mason Women's Craft ShowMidori Kai

Art for ORTGolden Gate Park Asian MuseumConsulate General of Japan

Los Altos Fine Art ShowConnections for DesignGallery 9

Gallery HouseHitachi Data SystemsSilicon Valley Open Studios

FiloliOpen Studio Tour 

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
OR TO VIEW A MORE EXTENSIVE PORTFOLIO:

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Please visit Shigemi’s Art Works at: http://userwebs.batnet.com/esanders/shigemi/
I can also be reached directly at: shigemi@batnet.com