Yoko Ozawa Kirikabu ‘Stump' Tall Bronze
Dimensions: D 31.5cm x H 18.5cm
Materials: Stoneware Clay
Method: Hand Thrown
Care instructions: Fully functional and water-tight. Hand wash.
Description:
Masterfully hand-thrown in stoneware from South Australia, this wonderful ‘kirikabu’ vessel, meaning stubble or stump in Japanese, is playfully reminiscent of tree cutters' stumps. Its simple, poetic form, with a streamlined silhouette and elegantly slim spout, is punctuated on each side by an intentional dimple, enhancing the tactile nature of the vessel when held in the hand. Its form is balanced perfectly with its rich glazing, which creates a unique patina reminiscent of rust, patterned with glazing tracks akin to rainfall, oscillating between tonal areas of deep, slate grey and bronze lustre. A sublime demonstration of Ozawa’s skill in crafting harmonious, functional works of art that powerfully explore the aesthetic concept of wabi-sabi; the interplay of perfection and imperfection.
Ozawa’s work displays a pervading exploration of the Japanese notion of yohaku, meaning blank space. Translated into her ceramic works, yohaku defines the space and stillness surrounding objects. For Ozawa, the notion of the space inside her works holds possibility and meaning, not simply ‘nothingness’. In this way, they engage in a dialogue with the concept of yohaku, resulting in an enhanced apprehension of the world and our own mind. Yoko Ozawa’s work is heavily informed by a sustained interest in the natural world; seasonal transitions, temperature, light, shadow, fog, rain and snow. Their simplistic but harmonious shapes are realised in subtle tones and intricate crackle glazes which draw on the textures and tones from her upbringing in the Japanese countryside and the Australian landscape she is now surrounded by.
About the Artist:
Melbourne-based artist Yoko Ozawa began practising ceramics in 2003, whilst working as a graphic designer in Tokyo. Born in Japan, Ozawa formally trained in both Fine Art, with a focus on Japanese painting, at Musashino University, Tokyo and Graphic Design at The Japan Design College. Upon relocation to Australia in 2012, Ozawa established her own studio. She has since exhibited around the world, with solo exhibitions and numerous group shows throughout Australia, Japan and England.
