Keiichi Shimizu Ceramic Show

Keiichi Shimizu New Vision in Tanba Ceramics September 1 - 27, 2006 See more of this artist's work: 2004 show, 2006 show, 2008 show, 2012 show, 2013 show

Keiichi Shimizu 清水圭一 Nestled in a beautiful valley along the Shitodani River among towering mountains northwest of Kyoto is the picturesque village Tachikui, the historic center of Tanba* pottery. The rich ferrous soil in this area has supported generations of farmers and artisans since the early Kamakura period (1180-1230). The oldest existing nobori-gama (climbing kiln) in Japan is found here. This serene unpretentious locale is home of some of the most beautiful ceramics that have influenced aesthetic development in Japan and the western world. Keiichi Shimizu, a 4th generation potter, was born in 1962 in Tanba Tachikui. Following the footsteps of his father, a highly respected potter in the Tanba tradition, he went to Kyoto to study pottery at Kyoto City Vocational School. After graduation in 1984, he launched his productive career in his home town as one of the most innovative ceramic artists. Unlike most other traditional Tanba potters who base their works largely on wheel-thrown vase forms, Shimizu develops many original forms from slab-built surfaces. Shimizu is especially interested in three-dimensional interplay of lines and surfaces, using clay of contrasting colors and textures to accentuate such interactions. His works show a strong minimalist influence, with clean lines and taut surfaces. Curves are used sparingly and purposefully, to introduce tension that seems to hold together the stark geometry. The results are deceptively simple forms that belie great conceptual sophistication and meticulous attention to details, a perfect balance between quiet traditional Japanese aesthetic and dynamic modern interpretation. To achieve his artistic vision, Shimizu does not shy away from new techniques. He uses both a gas kiln and a traditional wood-firing kiln. Shimizu uses only clay found in the mountains around Tanba. He refines his clay by removing large stones and gravels. His earlier works had a delicate, refined appearance. More recently, he has been using coarser clay, along with a white Tanba clay as a decorative slip, to add texture and characters to his work. The current show features fine examples of his unique style. *Tanba (Land of the Red Waves) consists of two Japanese characters: 丹 'Tan' (red) and 波 'Ba' (wave). The name is often corrupted as Tamba.
Click on images to view selected pieces Inquiry/order: director@touchingstone.com, see Inquiry/Order
Vase Form No. 1 Ceramic w/ fine-line decoration 12.5"h x 8.5"w x 7"d (3 views) Sold
Vase Form No. 2 Ceramic w/ fine-line decoration 10.5"h x 7"w x 6.5"d (3 views) Sold
Vase Form No. 3 wood-fired ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 12"h x 5.75"w x 5.75"d (3 views) Sold
Mizusashi Form No. 4 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 8.5"h x 6.75"w x 6.75"d (3 views) Sold
Vase Form No. 5 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 9"h x 5"w x 4.5"d (2 views) Sold	Vase Form No. 6 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 9.5"h x 5.5"w x 3"d (2 views) Sold
Vase Form No. 7 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 10"h x 6"w x 3.5"d (2 views) Sold	Box Form No. 10 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 6"h x 5"w x 5"d (2 views) Sold
Hanging Vase Form No. 8 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 9"h x 3"w x 2"d (2 views) Sold	Hanging Vase Form No. 9 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 10"h x 3.5"w x 2.5"d (2 views) Sold
Box Form No. 11 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 5"h x 5.75"w x 4.5"d (2 views) Sold	Box Form No. 12 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 5.5"h x 4.5"w x 4.5"d (2 views) Sold
Water Dripper No. 13 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 4.5"h x 4.5"w x 4.5"d (2 views) Sold	Water Dripper No. 14 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 4.75"h x 4.75"w x 4.75"d (2 views) Sold
Water Dripper No. 15 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 7"h x 3"w x 2.5"d (2 views) Sold	Water Dripper No. 16 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 6"h x 3"w x 2"d (2 views) Sold
Vase Form No. 17 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 6"h x 4.5"w x 4"d (2 views) Sold	Vase Form No. 18 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 5"h x 4"w x 4"d (2 views) Sold
Vase Form No. 19 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 4.75"h x 4"w x 4"d (2 views) Sold	Vase Form No. 20 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 5"h x 4.5"w x 4.5"d (2 views) Sold
Plate No. 21 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 7" x 7" Sold	Plate No. 23 Ceramic w/ 'white clay' decoration 7" x 7" Sold
Shows and Awards 1986 Hyogo Prefectural Art and Craft Show 1989 Governor’s Award, Hyogo Prefectural Art and Craft Show 1991 Japan Modern Art and Craft Show 1992 Solo show, Gallery Totosho, Osaka Japan Modern Art and Craft Show 1993 Kinki Division Award, Japan Modern Art and Craft Show Japan Craft Show 1994 Recognition Award, Saga Daikakuji Flower & Ceramics Show Asahi Craft Show Yaki-Shime-ten Open Competition NITTEN Show 1995 Solo show, Gallery Ogawa, Kyoto Kinki Division Award, Japan Modern Art and Craft Show Japan Craft Show NITTEN Show Director’s Award, Kyoto Chamber of Commerce Daikakuji Award, Daikakuji Flower and Ceramics Show 1996 Solo show, Gallery Kobe Daimaru, Kobe NITTEN Show Osaka Mayor’s Award, Osaka Craft Show 1997 Solo show, Gallery Osaka Mitsukoshi, Osaka NITTEN Show Recognition Award, Cha-no-yu Show, Tanabe Museum 1998 Solo show, Gallery Kobe Daimaru, Kobe Recognition Award, Cha-no-yu Show, Tanabe Museum 1999 Solo show, Gallery Kobe Daimaru, Kobe Japan Craft Show 2000 2-person show, Touching Stone Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico 2001 Grand Prize for Hyogo Prefectural Art & Crafts Show 2002 Modern Craft Award, Japan Modern Art & Crafts Show 2004 Touching Stone Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico Kobe Club, Kobe

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