Hiroshi Nakayama

It first surprised me , then pleased me, that my intention to create stoneware of subtle coloring and design with a strong, aged and natural feeling, resulted in this body of work reminiscent of river-worn stone.

My pieces are high-fire stoneware, uniquely glazed and fired. They are fired to cone 11 (about 2350 degrees F) in reduction twice. I have developed and refined my own glazes over many years and perform repeated glazing and firings. I use wood ash to achieve the special color and texture and extra thickness of glaze which gives a warm feeling. The surface becomes so integrated with the clay form that it appears to be made out of one solid material. Reduction firing creates a new layer between the body and the glaze. This layer improves physical strength and is interesting visual canvas. The unique glaze, applied largely by dipping, creates interesting variations in color and pattern and a characteristic natural look. Specks of color with occasional random galactic patterns and subtle iridescence may develop during the firings. Application of glaze and firing atmosphere provide a wide range of the color and the depth.

My goal is to find a voice in creating pieces that are based on my Japanese heritage. I grew up in the quite traditional Japanese house, very basic, simple and beautiful though I did not feel this way when I was living there. But now I realize this atmosphere deeply influenced me.

I aim for the Japanese idea of beauty, a quality of understated elegant simplicity that speaks quietly for itself, and objects with a refined, unobtrusive sophistication. They embody the patina that only time can bring: a deeply spiritual kind of elegance, rooted in the quiet appreciation of nature. I am also influenced by the design aesthetics of various countries where I have traveled and lived.

My work is decorative and contemplative but most of my works are also functional. I expect and enjoy that people often create the use for my pieces. My pieces find their own use.

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1973 -1976 Left Japan and traveled to over 30 countries

1976 Began learning pottery in Humauaka village, Argentina

1977 -1979 Studied Pottery in a number of studios in South America.

1980 -1989 Studio Potter in New York.

1990 - Present Studio Potter in Massachusetts.

PERMANENT COLLECTION

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, Boston, Massachusetts

CROCKER ART MUSEUM, Sacrament, California

GRANT FELLOWSHIP

2007 Massachusetts Cultural Council Artist Grant. Finalist.

1994 New England Foundation for the Arts/National Endowment for the Art Regional Fellowship

SELECTED AWARDS

2019 FIRST IN SCULPTURE: Bruce Museum AOCF, Greenwich, CT

2019 SECOND IN SCULPTURE: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY

2018 BEST IN CATEGORY: West Port Fine Arts Festival, Westport, CT

2018 BEST IN SHOW: Norwalk Art Festival, Norwalk, CT

2017 FIRST PLACE-SCULPTURE: Bruce Museum AOCF, Greenwich, CT

2017 SECOND PLACE: FINE CRAFTS, Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY

2016 FIRST PLACE: FINE CRAFTS, Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY

2012 BEST IN CERAMIC CATEGORY: West Port Fine Arts Festival, Westport, CT

2012 AWARD of MERIT: Central Pennsylvania Festival of The Arts, State College. PA

2011 FIRST PLACE: CERAMICS, Bruce Museum AOCF, Greenwich, Ct

2010 AWARD of MERIT: Central Pennsylvania Festival of The Arts, State College. PA

2010 FIRST PLACE: CERAMICS, Bruce Museum AOCF, Greenwich, Ct

2009 FIRST PLACE: CERAMICS, Bruce Museum AOCF, Greenwich, Ct.

2002 BEST WORK OVERALL, Arts Market Place, Academy Art Museum, Easton, Md.

2000 THE SOCIETY OF ARTS AND CRAFTS ARTIST AWARDS, Boston, Ma.

1997 DIRECTOR S CHOICE, Selected by the Director of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

1996 JUROR S AWARD for Superior Excellence and Originality, Ann Arbor Street Art Fair,

Ann Arbor, Mi.

1995 Selected for FELLOW CHOICE EXHIBITION, ACC Craft Fair, Baltimore, Md.

1994 ARTIST AWARD, Danforth Craft Fair, Framingham, Ma.

1993 HONORABLE MENTION. Smithsonian Craft Show, Washington D. C..

SUPERIOR CRAFTMANSHIP, Danforth Craft Fair, Framingham, Ma.

CRAFT EXCELLENCE, Craft at the Castle, Boston, Ma.

1992 MERIT AWARD, Feats of Clay, Lincoln Arts, Lincoln, Ca.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

​"THE BEST OF NEW CERAMIC ART " Hand Books, Inc.-1997

" WHEEL-THROWN CERAMICS " Lark Books"

"THE CERAMIC DESIGN BOOK " Lark Books-1998

"THE BEST OF POTTERY " Writer's Digest Books-1996

"CERAMICS TODAY " Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.-2010

"THE VASE AND BEYOND " Crocker Art Museum

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