Tsuyoshi Ueno
Solo Exhibition "力" [Effort, Strength]
Born in 1969 in Okayama Prefecture, Tsuyoshi Ueno entered Fukui Prefecture Ceramics Training Center in 1997. Tsuyoshi has been studying under renowned Japanese potter Shigeyoshi Morioka to master the ancient art of Nanban-yaki since 1998. Shikoku Island is known for its beautiful whitewater rapids and dense mountain forests. In 2005, this is where Tsuyoshi Ueno built his own wood-fired kiln and now calls Higashikagawa his home. His everyday life is surrounded by the beauty of nature and the four seasons which inspire his work.
Tsuyoshi Ueno specializes in unglazed Nanban-yaki, and adds highlights to the collection with white slip Kohiki and moss like ash glazes. This style blends the hues of raw clay with the enchantment of the blazing fire, embodying the aesthetic of Wabi Sabi through 7-10 days of intense firing, cooled for another 7 days, requiring an immense amount of dense wood and round-the-clock supervision to maintain the temperature of the kiln.
When firing is done, the beauty of each piece is contrasted by the delicate details and beautiful marks of the fire, robustness of the special clay he digs up, and one can feel the quiet strength "力" in each piece. Pieces will deepen in color and age with grace as they're used.
The exhibition takes place starting Friday, January 17th till January 25th and will showcase over 90 unique wood-fired ceramics, including matcha bowls, tea wares, ornate tablewares, and large vases.
