Makoto
The Story
Makoto is a ceramic artist who derives inspiration from the natural landscape and who uses original techniques to produce a rich variety of works. Born in Kobe in 1977, Makoto graduated from the Kyoto Seika University Department of Ceramic Art. Currently based in Yamashina, Kyoto, he has held exhibitions in Kyoto, Tokyo, Kanazawa, and throughout Japan, and has worked on dishes for kappo restaurants, creative restaurants, and lighting for cafes. He currently teaches ceramics at Kyoto University of the Arts.
Unlike many professional craftspeople, Makoto is not the successor to the burden of family tradition. This freed him to experiment and find his own style. Makoto says he creates and finds inspiration in the midst of having a playful mind. For Makoto, play is the love of the outdoors, and he takes primary inspiration from mountains and cedar trees, and from there searches for the techniques to help him create the truest expression of the natural world.
The Tour
Introduction of the artist's work and ceramic art and a tour of the studio
The artist will introduce his own work and philosophy on ceramics in detail. He will carefully explain to participants the ideas behind his creations and the thoughts behind his work, while conveying to them the appeal of ceramics.
Demonstration of how to use the potter’s wheel and how to make ceramics
We will actually demonstrate pottery making using the potter’s wheel. This is a rare opportunity for visitors to see up close and personal the meticulous process of pottery making, where craftsmanship shines through, and to experience how pottery is made.
Q&A session with participants
A question and answer session will be held with participants. This is an interactive opportunity for participants to ask questions about Nakata- san’s creative activities and techniques, and to gain a better understanding of his ceramic art and explore new inspirations.
Outdoor walk + outdoor pottery use experience (optional)
The artist and visitors will have the option of taking the tableware and cooking utensils that Nakata-san creates and uses for his own outdoor explorations on a walk in the Higashiyama area near his studio, where they will enjoy light refreshments together.
for booking inquiries
The Craft
Makoto has created a fusion of playfulness and craftsmanship that was born in the process of playing in the mountains and rivers and enjoying his own cooking. The natural textures that distinguish Makoto’s works exert a powerful presence that touch upon the deep sense of traditional Japanese sabi (rusticity), yet are very modern and contemporary in their expression.
Using clay from earthenware pots, a wide range of shapes are available, including deep pressure cookers, one-handed pots, and teapots. His deep pots can be used to cook stews and rice, while the smaller pots and one handed pots are suitable for oven cooking and oily dishes. His pots can also be used as coffee servers, which can heat coffee over an open flame even after it has cooled.
The reddish brown lineup of Makoto’s “Fire and Soil” series are like “friends around the fire,” with unique textures like unearthed ancient earthenware. These heat-resistant ceramics are designed to be enjoyed while camping or hiking and can be used over an open fire, taking advantage of the characteristics of heat-resistant clay that not only heats up over an open flame, but also retains a cooling effect.
Selected works
