SatokoBarashCeramics

 Artist Statement

Making utilitarian and artistic ceramics, I enjoy exploring the infinite variety of texture and color attainable through the malleable process of fabrication and firing.  I like to incorporate a style of simple elegance in both sculpture and utilitarian work.

Sculptural forms allow me to express what is important in my life more explicitly while utilitarian work embody the same idea but reveal it more indirectly. 

The most important and meaningful things in my life are the relationship I am developing with my family and close friends.  The notion that one cannot live alone intrigues me.  No matter how independent I’d be, financially and emotionally, I’d always be living within a network of people and community support.

I’m drawn to functional work because of its intimacy with the user.  The idea that my creation becomes part of somebody’s life, being touched by his/her hands and lips inspires me.  The idea that my work is enriching somebody’s every day rituals like eating, drinking, serving and entertaining motivates me.  The technical challenge that comes with creating utilitarian pieces enriches my practice as a potter.   I like to emphasize the hand made quality and tactile sense of clay in my work that juxtaposes today’s machine made, mass-produced goods commonly acquired in this culture.

I met my husband in New Zealand. He persuaded me to continue my art in this country, where we share a home in Mendocino County, California. I have a studio in my home and receive help and inspiration from our twelve-year old daughter, my husband and friends.

Political Rally in a Teapot                  Satoko Barash

High-fired Stoneware   $600   approximately  12”x7.5”x8”   

I grew up in Japan and spent a couple of years in England when I was younger.  In both counties, tea drinking is very much a part of one’s life.  In Japan political talk used to happen in a teahouse, over tea or drink.   We can’t really see what is going on at my political rally, contained within the pot, itself, a satire of the current chaotic political situation.

This teapot was shown in Teapots! Steep in thought 3rd invitational, Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA, from Oct.3 to Dec. 31, 2008, and was purchased by Kamm Teapot Foundation, Sparta NC, soon to be a Teapot museum.
   

Tea Party Inside a Teapot

High-fired Stoneware   approximately  9”x7.5”x8”

I grew up in Japan and when I was older, studied for two years in England.  In both counties, tea drinking is very much a part of one’s life.  When happy, tired, sad or upset, tea provides us with warmth and comfort.  A teapot holds something hot, warm or cold. It is, for me, a symbol of human relationship such as family, friends and lovers, thus, “Tea party Inside a Teapot.”

This particular teapot was shown and sold in the Juried Exhibition INFUSION10x10 at Craft Alliance, St. Louis, MO. between May 2 and June 30, 2008

Teapots from this series have been shown and sold in several juried teapot exhibitions listed below:

 May 5 to 24, 2009  Pollination: Mendocino Art Center at Odd Fellows Hall, Mendocino, CA

May 2009,  The Ceramic Sculpture Conference, Davis, CA

Oct.3 to Dec. 31, 2008  Teapots! Steep in thought 3rd invitational, Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA; my teapot was purchased by Kamm Teapot Foundation, Sparta NC, soon to be a Teapot museum.

June 12 to July 20, 2008  Merit Award, Juried Exhibition Form & Function, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, CA    

May 2 to June 30, 2008  Juried Exhibition INFUSION      10x10 at Craft Alliance, St. Louis, MO; my teapot was sold to a private collection.

May 3 to 26 2008  Emerging Artists: Mendocino Art Center Clay 2008 at Odd Fellows Hall, Mendocino, CA

May 2008,  Juried Student Art Show, Mendocino College, Ukiah, CA

You can find one at gallery/shop at Mendocino Art Center, CA, also.