Kyoto

Between fall 1989 and spring 1991, I received a Monbusho scholarship to study at Kyoto City University of Arts in Japan. Reflecting on that period, I consider it one of the most beautiful and formative times of my life. While in Kyoto, I immersed myself in traditional Japanese techniques for crafting dishes and household items.

My interest in Japanese craftsmanship began during my first trip through Asia in 1987, when I saw a Mingei exhibition at the Lalit Kala Academy in Delhi showcasing traditional Japanese crafts. Even before Kyoto, my studies in Linz with my teacher Günther Praschak had already instilled in me a deep appreciation for Japanese artistry. Under his guidance, I was introduced to the world of tea ceramics, the tea ceremony, and Zen Buddhism.

In the summer of 1990, I traveled around Kyushu with Dr. Clare Pollard — now head of the Asian department at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford — who served as my wonderful translator while I, in return, explained technical details to her. We explored prominent pottery centers such as Arita, Satsuma, Onda, and Koishiwara.

Subsequently, I developed a profound admiration for notable figures in Japanese culture, including architect Tadao Ando, fashion designer Issey Miyake, writer Yukio Mishima, and several filmmakers and artists. Among contemporary Japanese ceramic artists, one of my favorites was Akiyama Yo, who taught at Kyoto University. Another favorite, sadly deceased, was Akio Takamori, who had lived in Seattle.