Before dinner, I spent the day helping Megumi gather pieces for an exhibition for Sensei and make inventory. I also packed up my things in preparation of leaving today. I will miss this place and the people here, but I plan on returning and Sensei and I already in cahoots for getting him out to Illinois. I am excited and I can't wait to be reunited with my wonderful Japanese family.
This morning I will leave for Okinawa, so yesterday was officially my last full day in Studio Kasen. It also happened to be Father's Day, happy Father's Day dads everywhere. I got to spend Father's Day with my Japanese father, Sensei. We went out for dinner and he even called me his American daughter haha. We got soba noodles for dinner at a restaurant that actually uses some of his table ware. We got to eat part of our meal off of Sensei's plates. it was a very swanky place and it was really nice to sit and chat with Sensei. I got to pick his brain and he gave me some wonderful advice. This experience has been amazing and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Before dinner, I spent the day helping Megumi gather pieces for an exhibition for Sensei and make inventory. I also packed up my things in preparation of leaving today. I will miss this place and the people here, but I plan on returning and Sensei and I already in cahoots for getting him out to Illinois. I am excited and I can't wait to be reunited with my wonderful Japanese family.
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Sensei's studio was buzzing with activity. We had 15 one day challenge guests before lunch. It was my pleasure to stay and help get the studio ready and then assist any way I could. I helped wedge clay, center for the challengers, set up slabs for a guest, and then clean at the end. This challenge is definitely something I want to incorporate I to my studio. It helps bring in income as well as spreading the love and joy for ceramics.
In the afternoon Sensei had more one day challenge guests, but Megumi took the group of us from the program to a studio to visit. The work was absolutely amazing and I had actually walked past with out knowing it before. The outside of the studio and house are totally uninformative to how the inside is. It was a pleasant surprise. The artist was actually Megumi's technical Sensei from school and he is an amazing artist utilizing pinching, coiling, and throwing techniques. Since Megumi needed to get back to the studio to help Sensei, the group of us walked back to Kasen and took a couple tide trails through the bamboo forest. It was a great time as always. It was Cheuky and Kuan's last day at the studio so I'm glad we got one last adventure in. Soon I will be leaving too and I am sad to go but am very excited to bring to practice everything I have absorbed from Sensei and Kasen Studio. I decided to trek to the waterfall and check out the park. It started out slightly overcast and turned into quote a drizzle. But, despite that, it was well worth it. It was also a reminder of Japanese hospitality and kindness. I got stopped a few times by people offering me their umbrellas. It was a kind gesture, but I quite enjoyed the cool rain during the hike. It was a 45 minute walk to the park and then a hike through the forest along the river to the waterfall. was surprised by a tiny crab on the path but it was too quick for me to snag a picture. When I finally got to the waterfall I was speechless. It was beautiful and powerful. I was the only one there and I was in awe. I stood and watched it for awhile before continuing the hike. I found out there is a second waterfall, however I didn't have time to find it this time. I am hoping to make it back there before I leave. In the afternoon I went back to Ai's family studio and picked out one of her pieces. It was so beautiful with white slip trailing over a white glaze. It definitely a piece for me. For dinner we all had decided we wanted to surprise Sensei to say thank you for all he does. It is hard to surprise a man who is the party guy especially when we are staying at his place and don't know where any restaurants are on our own. We had Megumi make reservations and drive and it was a grand time! Dinner was delicious. They were these Patty things with all kinds of fillings and toppings. We ordered a bunch and shared and our tables had flattops for us to cook them to our liking. We laughed and talked and I gave Sensei and Megumi their thank you gifts. Sensei was so thankful and honored that we wanted to surprise him and do something special for him. At dinner he gave me advice for starting my studio business and again mentioned he is excited to come out and visit when I get it going. I am so thankful for everything he has taught me and for opening up his studio and home to me. This experience has been more than amazing. Only a couple days left and then I am on my way to Okinawa for more adventure. Sensei is going to give me contact information of a potter he knows down there and has asked them to let me come visit. Who knows... maybe I'll get to make something too! Until next time, all the best for back home! Compared to Wednesday, Thursday was jam packed with adventure. In the morning I helped explain glazes and the process if firing to the other three in the program, for lunch we had bento boxes from Isakaya (delicious just like always!), and then after lunch we walked around Seto to check out all the local potter's works. It was a lot of fun to go as a group and even more fun to look at all the beautiful pieces. I purposefully left my wallet in my apartment because I knew I'd want to buy everything. That way I could look at everything and go back later if I found one I absolutely needed. The evening was just as exciting and fun. Cheuky and Kuan invited everyone (Megumi, Hairol, Ai, and myself)
over to the bed and breakfast they were staying at for a BBQ and then to go to the firefly festival. However, it rained in the morning so the festival was canceled. The BBQ was absolutely delicious. Their host, Lowell, had a huge smoker to cook our feast. We had chicken wings, tons of vegetables, pork (which we thought was beef when we bought it), and then also Japanese noodles, salad, watermelon, and cake. I definitely stuffed myself. The conversation was great, company even better. Lowell's home was beautiful and it was great to hear the story of how him and his family ended up in Japan (he is originally from Canada). After our feast, Lowell drove all seven of us up the mountain in search of the fireflies. We had to trek to where they are normally spotted down the hiking path. It was fun, all of us walking in the dark with the ambiant lighting from the moon and cloudy sky. Unfortunately there weren't too many fireflies out, but as we stood there searching for them, a few started to appear. Fireflies flash their light in search of a mate. At first there was only one, flashing their light so bright, then, all of a sudden another started flashing and they dartes for each other. It was almost magical. More started appearing after that and I was even able to catch one so everyone could look at it closer and try to take pictures. On the way back to the car we took a different path, on past the cabins and camping grounds. We found some more fireflies and watched their beautiful dance close to the water. It was a beautiful evening and we didn't even get chased by a wild boar (yes, there are wild boars!). On the was back to the house Lowell drove to an out look spot and we got to see the city of Nagoya at night. Another very beautiful moment. Absolutely perfect. I will cherish the adventure and the quiet moments in Japan and mostly I will just cherish the fact that I made it this far and have made some new friends along the way. Wednesday is a holiday for Sensei. In the morning Sensei helped me fill out shipping labels and inventory to ship my pieces I made. After tea we ran to town to run a couple errands. I needed to go to Apita for a few groceries and I was so happy to get another loaf of the best tasting bread I've ever had.
In the afternoon the postman came to weigh and pick up my boxes. it actually cost less than I was expecting.... but still a pretty penny because of how heavy the boxes were. I was quite happy that we got everything into only two boxes. I spent a majority of my day relaxing and hanging out in my apartment upstairs. Kuan and Cheuky had gone to Nagoya to visit friends and Hairol ventured into the city as well later in the afternoon. I enjoyed the quiet and relaxation. I mapped out the path to the waterfall and I am excited to make the trek there hopefully tomorrow. Don't worry, lots of pictures to come. I also started researching what I will need to do when I get home, what shows and sales to apply for, and some of the steps needed to start up a studio business. I am very excited and am ready for the challenge. I know I have the passion and I know I will have the support and encouragement to help hold me accountable. My future is steadily changing and I am beyond anxious, excited, and intrigued. I have loved all the conversations with everyone and the experiences I have had. These are memories that have forever shaped me. I got to help finish unloading the kiln that finished firing the day previously. So many pretties!! Motoka-san helped me find packing my pieces and it was so cute because she said Motoka-san professional. And, she really is! Wow she's amazing!
At noon Sensei took us to another potter's studio. The night of the feast we ate off some of his tableware and Cheuky wanted to learn some of the technique, so she paid for a one day challenge. He works with porcelain and marbles it together with many colors, creating beautiful patterns and designs. Aot of the pieces he doesn't even glaze, but polishes to have its own natural sheen. His technique is to purely emphasize the clay's qualities, specifically color. I ended up buying a piece because, well they're gorgeous, but also I found one that he had cut and reassembled. Just the top had been cut and slightly shifted. It was mine as soon as I saw it. Later in the afternoon Sensei had a photoshoot going on for his upcoming show in Nagoya. There was a photographer, a florist, and food designer, Sensei, and a photo assistant. It was amazing watching them work and see how much went into just one photograph. The images were fantastic. I also helped finish unloading the kiln and preparing pieces to be soaked in black water. I was more than happy to lend a hand to Motoka-san for everything she has helped me with. In the evening, around 6:15, I walked to the corner store to see if they were still open. I really wanted gyoza for dinner. The were but the were closing up and had put all the cold stuff away in the back. So, I tried to ask if they had anymore, and, them not speaking English and I not speaking Japanese, began this strange form of communication to try and understand each other. I called it gyoza and dumpling, I tried to describe the container they came in, I made shapes with my hands, and I tried to look for a picture on my phone. After all that failed, the store owner asked if I could draw it, and almost immediately the wife knew what it was and went and got it for me. It was kind of entertaining, but more so it was sweet how patient and accommodating they were. They could have just tried to get rid of me because they were closing, but instead they helped and then when checking out my items, he showed me pictures of his grandchildren. Have I mentioned I love it here? Another beautiful day in Seto Japan. The morning was spent doing hard work wrapping and packing the first set of pots. It was a toasty day plus Sensei had three kilns going, so it was quite hot. After I packed all I could, Megumi and I pulled the Oribe ware out of the black, stinky water. We had to wear long gloves and scrub the pieces and watch them in two buckets of water. After the pieces were watched we set them outside to dry. The mystery concoction really did work! The green was brighter and shinier and the crazing (cracking) appeared a lot better. Motoka-san (Sensei's mom) prepared tea time for us and it was the perfect afternoon snack. She had taken the other visitors to the tool shop on Seto City and they also sent to the grocery store. She picked up ice cream and mochi desserts. It was absolutely perfect for how hot the day was. In the evening we all went to Isacaya (the pub down the street) and had dinner and drinks. They are very generous hosts there and everything they cook is absolutely delicious. So tasty, that I try food I never would have imagined that I would. We started with some appetizers of potatoes and squid, tofu, edamame, shredded chicken and veggie, and eggplant. Then, they brought out a huge dish of sushi. There was shrimp, salmon, tuna, squid rolled with mint, and a white dish sliced so thin you could see through it. The main dish was a fish that can only be caught and kept this time of year. They call it the one year fish because it is illegal to eat any other season of the year. The fish came out whole..... I was quite hesitant but reminded myself, whole experience Kari. So Sensei talked us through how to eat it. Megumi actually used to catch these fish back home and eat them so she was very excited. first we took off the head then the fins and the tail. We then pull the bones out in one movement and we can eat everything else, skin and all. The fish was a little bitter bit with a little bit of lemon juice is was very good. The skim might have been my favorite part. After that they asked what else we wanted, so he brought out chicken for me and a beef dish for Chueky. He also brought out a sprout vegetable dish at Kuans request. There was so much food and I loved that it was family style everybody eating everything. The beef dish was a special cut of meat we were told. He brought it out and it smelt so good. It was a miso (bean paste) sauce with onions. The beef..... was cow stomach. I never in a million years would have imagined that I would eat that. But I tried it and it tasted good. The texture freaked me out a little bit because it is very chewy and almost like a ball of fat, but when paired with the crunch of the onion it was delightful. Lastly he brought out watermelon and it was so sweet and fresh. All the food is fresh and a lot was grown in their garden right out back. It was a wonderful evening filled with laughter and discussions. It was definitely a feast to remember. If you ever get the chance to experience a new culture or adventure like this, I would suggest to not hesitate to say yes, I will try. Enjoy the full experience and be willing to step out of your comfort zone, it is well worth it! I knew Sensei was unloading the kiln because he posted pictures online so I rand down the stairs as fast as I could! It was so exciting to see the finished product. We only had a couple pieces stick to the shelf but they were easily cleaned. We also had one of the cut and reassembled tip over onto one of my cups, but! we got them apart and put back in to the next firing to smooth out the glaze. I'M SO EXCITED!
Along with unloading the pieces, we had to buff the bottom then stick all the Oribe ware into a liquid concoction to help the green become more brilliant and the cracks appear in the clear glaze. They have to soak for one day and then I get to admire them! After we were finished with kiln work, I made some large spoons for the studio. I am getting a lot better at this slab mold work I must say. It was a beautiful day in Seto and I couldn't help but go for a walk, which led into a hike up a mountain!! I was in search of the waterfall Sensei was talking about and I came across a hiking path. I decided to take it and it led me through the woods and up the mountain. It was quite a workout but we'll worth if! The sights and the veiw were spectacular!! I took a time lapse video up part of the trail and will have to post if when I get access to a computer. The trail kept going further than I went and if I get more free time while here, I would love to see where the trail goes. I was just filled with joy and energy as I kept trekking. Just the sounds of the river and the small waterfalls I found, the birds, rustling of the trees, it was beautiful, absolutely beautiful. When I returned I trimmed the spoons I made earlier and just got to hang out and chat with everyone else. It was a good day and I am excited to see what this week brings! Sending you my best! Another slowish day in the studio. I helped glaze a bunch of chopstick rests and found out that the spoons I made the day before.... did not work. This particular spoon style is very particular and must balance in a specific way. After Megumi and I spent many excruciating minutes trying to get them sanded just right so they would balance, we decided to scrap them and make new ones. I did have a few successful ones that we got to keep but it was sad all the other ones didn't work. I did, however! figure out the right way to make them balance and got a new set that work wonderfully.
Tea time is still wonderful and it has been quite full with so many guests at Kasen Studio. Sensei jokes about calling it Hotel Kasen. I finished the last monkey for Sensei's mom. It was in the cut and reassembled style. I'm so glad she loves them all. Sensei turned off the kiln and this morning I got to help unload my pieces!!! (pictures to come soon!) I am so excited and can't wait to see the next batch of work. Thank you everyone who has supported and encouraged me to come to Japan! This experience has been wonderful and I know there is still more adventure and growth to come! Yesterday seems like forever ago and yet it feels like I just got here. Time is flying so fast. I have been in Japan for two weeks!! Holy cow! I have learned so much and am so happy that Sensei has welcomed me into his studio.
I started my day with glazing some more pieces, trimming the spoons I made for Sensei the night before, and working on some monkeys for Motto Kasen (Sensei's mom). She asked me to make monkeys because next year is the year of monkeys and she believes I have very good skills (she is the sweetest). So, I hand carved one from a block of clay and then threw on the wheel to make four more. In the afternoon I worked on assembling all but one when they got to the right hardness. When I showed her the pieces she was so excited. I love it here and the people that make this place so awesome! In the evening Megumi, Hairol, and I went to dinner then went grocery shopping. We had sushi and it was the freshest sushi I have ever had. SO VERY DELICIOUS!!! We had a great time talking and showing each other images of our favorite ceramic artists. Again, I really love getting to know everyone here. Things are starting to slow down a little for me since there isn't much more work for me to do on my own stuff. But, I try and ask to help Megumi or Sensei with anything I can. Sensei started up the kiln at noon and it has been heating up all evening. I should be able to see my work finished very soon!! Best wishes to everyone back home, and happy birthday to my very supportive father! |