From Satoko: “Seeing my pottery in a friend’s sink or drying rack is always humbling and delightful. The kitchen cupboard at our house is full of mismatched handmade pottery from pottery tours, art fairs, workshops, firings, and this gallery. I learn from each piece, and each one has a story to tell.  Meeting and sharing stories with these other ceramic artists has enriched my life.”

“I first touched clay as a sculpting material when I was at Sonoma State, after experimenting with bronze, steel and wood. For some reason, I knew clay was my medium right away, even though there are many things to consider. There are so many chances for a clay sculpture to fail; while making and fighting against gravity, the work drying too fast then cracking, moving a heavy but fragile piece to a kiln, failing at glaze choices as well as applications, and the challenges of a firing to name a few. Working with clay can be so technical and unforgiving, and yet the field comes with a wonderful, supportive and friendly community wherever you go.

“Functional work drew me from early on, because I appreciate that intimacy with it’s user. The idea that my work is enriching someone’s everyday rituals like eating, drinking, serving, and entertaining, motivates me. The technical challenges that come with creating utilitarian pieces enrich my practice as a potter. I like to emphasize the hand- made quality and tactile sense of clay in my work, that juxtaposes machine made, mass- produced goods.”

“I grew up in Japan, and met my husband while traveling in New Zealand.  He persuaded me to continue my art in the U.S. where we now share a home in Mendocino County, California.  I have a studio and a hard-brick soda kiln at home and receive help and inspiration from friends, my daughter and my loving husband.”

Join us at Northcoast Artist’s Gallery for the First Friday Opening on September 2, 2022, 5 – 8 pm . Come and visit with the other gallery artists for refreshments and a short artist talk at 6:30 pm. Please visit  https://www.satokoceramics.com to see more of Satoko’s work.

The show will run September 1- October 3, 2022.