TAKADA Naoki (b. 1974) is a potter and contemporary artist who creates “Bonsan”, rather, pottery that imitates the mountains. He is inspired by his mining of clay: During his digs,...
TAKADA Naoki (b. 1974) is a potter and contemporary artist who creates “Bonsan”, rather, pottery that imitates the mountains. He is inspired by his mining of clay: During his digs, he meditates upon the micro movement of the earth. He pays particular attention to the weight and gravity of different clay types, and in particular, how clay at a small scale recalls the grand mountains they come from. As a geologist studies stone, he studies clay. Formally, he is inspired by the effect of time on mountainous regions of the world and Japan. From the glaciers of the north pole, to the Hyogo and Gifu mountains, is constantly reimagining them at a smaller scale. Through his art, the mountains are miniaturized: it is we that become the giants when gazing upon his pottery. Size and scale are therefore careful aspects of form that he pays attention to.
Dai Ichi Arts is delighted to introduce his works to New York and the East Coast in the US in our February 2023 group exhibition “Objects of Affection”. In this show, he presents a group of small functional works inspired by the hot springs and cold climates of the mountains in Japan. Pay close attention to the way he pools his glazes, and the colors he conjures through firing.