Shimizu Keiichi 清水圭一 Japanese, b. 1962

"Before my father's time, Tanba potters saw themselves as craftsmen producing utility wares. My father's generation was the first who viewed themselves as artists rather than craftsmen. Since then, a number of Tanba potters became innovators. There have been two distinct lines of development. One line elevates function-based traditional Tanba pottery to a very high level of artistry.The other line completely breaks free from traditional Tanba wares to explore new forms and ideals. I regard myself in the latter category."

So says Shimizu Keiichi, Fourth Generation Tanba potter who seeks to explore abstract and geometric forms while utilizing a traditional method. His heritage of Tanba wares only fortifies his commitment to exploring Modernist form.