Shio Kusaka

This online presentation features an exclusive look into Shio Kusaka’s studio practice and the creation of new ceramic works inspired by ancient Japanese ceramics from the Jōmon period (c. 10,500–300 BC). A selection of these works will be shown at the FOG Design+Art fair in San Francisco.

Shio Kusaka in her studio in Los Angeles, 2022. Photo by Ye Rin Mok

(line 150), 2022

clay

16 1/4 x 9 x 7 1/2 inches (41.3 x 22.9 x 19.1 cm)

Photo by Marten Elder

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“I’ve been studying and making Jōmon pots since the summer of 2021. I first learned about them in history class in elementary school and thought they looked wild.

This feels like it will be a long-term project for me and I’m curious to see where it goes. I’m sure I have Jōmon-ness in me and I’m trying to pull it out.”

Kusaka’s new ceramic work, (line 150), 2022, rests in the kiln in her studio after being fired to 1945°F. Photo by Ye Rin Mok

Photo by Ye Rin Mok

Shio Kusaka

(line 149), 2022

clay

11 3/4 x 13 3/4 x 13 1/2 inches (29.9 x 34.9 x 34.3 cm)

Photo by Marten Elder

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“The word Jōmon means ‘rope-patterned,’ because they would press tied ropes onto the pot’s surface to create patterns. They also heavily sculpted the clay. I’m interested in these sculpting and building aspects of Jōmon pottery.”

Photo by Ye Rin Mok

New works by Shio Kusaka are displayed on a shelf in the artist’s studio. Photo by Ye Rin Mok

“I made my version of Jōmon pots before, where I sculpted the whole surface of the form. It was a lot of work to sculpt the whole pot, so for these new works, I sculpted the top part and made lines for the bottom.”

Detail view of one of Kusaka’s Jōmon vessels. Photo by Ye Rin Mok

Shio Kusaka at work in her studio, 2022. Video by Dustin Pearlman

Shio Kusaka

(square 52), 2022

porcelain

6 1/4 x 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches (15.9 x 8.9 x 8.9 cm)

Photo by Marten Elder

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“My patterns are inspired by the form of the pots themselves. I like patterns that are a natural result of the pot’s shape.”

Shio Kusaka

(square 51), 2022

porcelain

5 1/2 x 4 1/4 x 4 1/4 inches (14 x 10.8 x 10.8 cm)

Photo by Marten Elder

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Photo by Ye Rin Mok

Shio Kusaka

(square 53), 2022

clay

11 3/4 x 8 1/4 x 8 1/4 inches (29.9 x 21 x 21 cm)

Photo by Marten Elder

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Kusaka reveals the square symbol and date she often inscribes on the bottom of her works. Photo by Ye Rin Mok

Photo by Ye Rin Mok

See these works in person at FOG Design+Art, San Francisco, January 19–22

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