Yamada Hiroki 山田洋樹 Japanese, b. 1972

Yamada Hiroki's journey into the world of pottery is as extraordinary as his work. Initially pursuing a conventional and respected career as a judicial scrivener and a researcher in biofunctional engineering, Yamada's life took a transformative turn when he encountered Shino pottery by chance. Captivated by its beauty, he left behind his stable profession and devoted himself entirely to mastering this ancient art form.

Yamada's dedication to Shino pottery is nothing short of profound. His work stands out for capturing the true essence of Shino, a rarity in contemporary ceramics. Despite his traditional and respectable background, Yamada’s shift to pottery and his creations reflect a deep and necessary passion that borders on the irrational—an essential quality in the world of authentic ceramics.

In an era where few artists truly embody the "classical pottery" ideal, Yamada has uniquely mastered the correct glaze quality of Shino. His analytical approach and structural understanding of the medium suggest that his future works hold extraordinary promise. The emergence of an artist so deeply committed to the authentic tradition of Shino is a remarkable and welcome addition to the contemporary art scene.