In 2020 I did a pottery internship in Kyoto. A ceramics adventure in Kyoto (2020) is a book I made as a tribute to this time. A time which for me was very rich and memorable. A collection and celebration of my learning journey, the craftsmanship, the connection I feel with Japanese ceramics and all of what happened in between.

I always admired Japanese pottery but when I immersed myself in Kyoto’s ceramic culture, my appreciation deepened. I visited my fair share of Kyoto’s ceramics markets, craft markets, festivals or other events connected to Japanese ceramics. And thus I completely fell in love with them. Holding each piece in my hands, feeling its texture, shape, the intimacy of the object and the hand of the craftsman that comes through in the object. Witnessing skilled craftsmen shape raw materials into meaningful forms fascinated me. I think a profound affinity and connection was formed then and there.

For me, the true magic unfolds when I think about ceramics as tableware. Carefully selected shapes, textures, and colors, crafted with love and purpose, finding new homes straight from the craftsman’s hand. The people who buy these pieces saw their value, inviting them into their lives. Each piece becoming an integral part of daily rituals, be it family meals or quiet moments with tea. I feel like it is such an intimate process which I find really interesting.

In the end I made countless hours wedging clay, shaping on the wheel, trimming the foot, biscuit baking in the ceramics oven, mixing glazes, applying them and doing all that belongs to the making off ceramics, all of which is documented in the book.