Born: Hilo, Big Island of Hawai‘i
Japanese Mingei Pottery - Master

"You can learn from a painting, you can learn from a pot. In fact, a pot is even better because you can eat off of it and drink out of it. You can use it in your daily contact."

Mingei pottery is "people’s art" because in Japan mingei refers to traditional craft objects made for daily use and enjoyment. Teaching mingei involves years of training and intensive study. Local clays are used to make pottery that is intended for everyday use. Colors used are drawn from nature, such as indigo blue, rust red, forest green and chestnut brown. All mingei pottery is designed to be used in the household. It is said that the simplicity of the design gives mingei pottery its true beauty.