Arita 2014 No10

I drafted this post just before I left Japan in May when part one of my Asialink residency in Arita was coming to an end...but I was so busy that I didn't get around to posting it. Looking over it again brought back some beautiful memories so I thought...better late than never! 

My friends and I went to Onta recently. Onta is a beautiful little traditional potters village in Oita Prefecture in Kyushu, and the people who live there are very impressive. They make clay and pots and wood fire them and maintain the distinct Onta style throughout the whole village. It felt like they were actually making pots "for" their village. On the bottom of the pots it only says "Onta" - no other personal maker's mark. Beautiful. I became a fan of this place.   

My Asialink Arts Residency Project is supported by Arts Queensland.

Exhibition!

A selection of works, some that I made in Arita, Japan as part of my Asialink Residency, will be on the show at Andrew Baker Art Dealer. The opening is on 5 December so please drop by if you are around.

My Asialink Arts Residency Project is supported by Arts Queensland. 

Arita 2014 No.9

I had a special day today outside of the studio, because the very talented Kirsten Coelho from South Australia is now visiting in Arita. We went to Tatuya Tutui's studio with Tsuru-san - she is an amazing person to show you around Arita - she knows so much about the town! Tatuya kindly showed  us how to do wheel throwing Arita style and also he let us have a go too. Amakusa clay was very nice clay to work with and we had a lovely chat with him. It was so special!      

Arita 2014 No. 8

I recently went by bike to Jinroku Mountain in the early morning by myself - it so cold and windy! But I was really pleased that I went there and was impressed by how beautiful it was to look down at Arita from the mountains.

Arita 2014 No.7

I went to Fukuoka on the weekend and had a nice walk around the Asian Art Museum. There was a beautiful sandy river nearby (it was low tide I think) along with so many curious buildings and shops. I'd love to come back and check this city out some more when I have the chance.

Arita 2014 No.6

I had a chat this morning when I was out walking with a few local people around where I'm staying. I was explaining why I'm in Arita when one guy said to me, "I'll lend you some design books" and popped into his house and returned with two very delicate looking notebooks filled with drawings - one was Meiji Period and was 136 years old, and the other was 125 years old. 

He said, "just put them back in my postbox tomorrow" and I said "I'll definitely knock on your door". Arita is an amazing place!  

My Asialink Arts Residency Project is supported by Arts Queensland

Arita 2014 No.5

I spent some lovely time in a nice little cafe in Arita on Friday afternoon - this is a great place if you are a fan of handmade wooden cutlery and plates - all made by the owner's husband (no photo, sorry!).

We also took a lovely drive on the weekend to Sasebo and Karatsu - it was a rainy weekend and that created even more special and mysterious views.

Arita 2014 No.4

The rustic walls that can be found throughout Arita are made of old kiln brick called "Tonbaibei" - they're very beautiful, and the ones outside our guesthouse are filled with bees! 

Arita 2014 No.3

This is my work space at Happy Lucky Site this week. It's lovely to be able to see outside to the beautiful Spring weather. I dropped by Arita dam this evening on my way home - the water was a beautiful colour and it was such a peaceful place. I loved it!! 

Arita 2014 No.2

I feel like I've already learnt a lot after spending just a couple of days in Kourakugama. Tokunaga-san and Shin Koyama have introduced me to a number of impressive local people in Arita...I'm excited!  

Hello again Arita!!

I'm very very happy to be back in Arita to start my Asialink Artist Residency with funding support from Arts Queensland! It's still quite chilly here, but the cherry blossoms are nearly over and the new buds of spring are popping out. It was great to see Tokunaga-san from Happy lucky Site Arita today and to talk about how we're going to make the artist residency meaningful.

This is an Asialink Arts Residency Project supported by Arts Queensland.