So early in my ceramics experience, an assignment that we did was focusing on cups and learning to throw different style cups. It was an interesting experience was we realized that being able to throw a cup exactly the way is harder than it seems. In addition to the cup, the potter needs to keep in mind the type of handle and the placement of the handle. All for a cup. But what I find intriguing and beautiful is the way that different potters make a cup.
Recent on Akar Design, they hosted a show in the Yunomi form. I love looking at the hundreds of yunomi cups that people had made and picking ones that I personally liked and then looking at ones that I didn't like.
The Yunomi Invitational is incredible. Here are some of my favorites.
Recent on Akar Design, they hosted a show in the Yunomi form. I love looking at the hundreds of yunomi cups that people had made and picking ones that I personally liked and then looking at ones that I didn't like.
The Yunomi Invitational is incredible. Here are some of my favorites.
Ted Adler
This is my favorite out of the entire invitational. I love the color and the texture of the yunomi and the undulation is beautiful. But I also see where the hand goes when holding the little cup. Yunomi cups are used in the Japanese tea ceremony and need to be both elegant and simple. This is the accomplishment by Adler. It has the right amount of change while still maintaining the form of the cup.
Alisa Holen
What I like about this cup is the lichen glaze and the colors. It is fairly obvious from my ceramics portfolio and my favorite picks that I love earth tones for pottery. I think it is because I think that the pottery should look like pottery and not like the a cup that you bought from the store. I needs to stand apart from american commercialization. Holen definitely accomplishes this with her work. She uses the simple and natural colors. I also like the added base. Even it seems out of place for a yunomi and a bit martini glass reminiscent, if you follow the lines of the shape the line is beautiful.
Harlan House
Simple.
Regal.
Precise.
Harlan House is one of my favorite potters. He can use both volume and size while still keeping the yunomi to look light. If I were going to perform the tea ceremony, House's yunomis would be without a doubt my first choice. I love this one.
Stanton Hunter
This again is an amazing cup. What I look for in potter is the artist to be able to maintain a sense for what the vessel is for and to combine it with their own perspective. I guess that would be interpretation but with recognition of the origin. The clash of east and west can be interesting but it can very easily become tacky or inappropriate if it is not down in a tasteful fashion.
On this yunomi, I love the black and white and the small dimple of the side of the cup.
This is asking to be held.
On this yunomi, I love the black and white and the small dimple of the side of the cup.
This is asking to be held.
I want to try to do some yunomis like Hunters. The left are vessels that I made with a similar style. Black and White matte black with undulation.
Matt Long
Speaking of the clash of east and west, this is what Matt Long accomplishes. His piece has a southern and down to earth appeal but does not push the boundaries of the additives. In addition, his color choice is incredible. I had the opportunity to take a class with Matt Long and I would to here his theories on form and function. He makes things that have an aesthetically beautiful form while still maintaining the function of the piece...victory.
Alleghany Meadows
One of my favorite potters as well. Elegance and simplicity and he should know. For those of you who do not know, Meadows apprenticed under Takashi Nakazato which would be where I would like that he gets his beautiful form and simplicity. I also had the opportunity to take a class with Meadows and it was incredible to see how relaxed he was as a potter. I love the repetition and the uniformity in his work.
So those are my picks as my favorites of the invitational. For my final presentation last year, one of my pieces was my yunomi sets. I love this piece. But for some reason, I do not have that picture. Once I get it I will post it. It is one of my favorite pieces.
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