Keiichi Tanaka
ARTISTS & CRAFTSMEN AT ORYOKI
"In all my works, the thought accompanies me that they are used in everyday life. The drive to merge the beauty and radiance of old ceramics with high utility value in the modern world is my motivation. In my works, I want to realize a collection of time, to create a summary of the aesthetics of different eras."
"I want to create a piece of art whose form provides insight into its origin, based on the existence of its necessity."
"I am very fascinated by the beauty of functional objects and forms that emerges when the objects are used."
"With my work, I aim to create a texture that preserves the natural softness of the clay and evokes a somewhat nostalgic, heartwarming feeling."
Keiichi Tanaka
ARTIST AT ORYOKI
Only through use do artworks become complete
Keiichi is a ceramic artist through and through. He was born in Chiba in 1979. Chiba is located southeast of Tokyo on the island of Honshu. Rice, soy sauce, and many types of fruits come from Honshu, where there is also a mild climate in winter. Keiichi began his studies in Interior Product Design in 2003 at Musashino Art University. His works have been featured in numerous exhibitions, including in Tokyo, Paris, and London.
Keiichi Tanaka's creations have been widely recognized in several national and international competitions. He has been awarded three times in a row with the "Asahi Modern Craft Exhibition" award, as well as the "Young Artist Prize" at the "3rd International Festival of Postmodern Ceramics" in 2009.
The Aesthetics of "Imperfection"
Keiichi Tanaka achieves his stunning surfaces and colors through a special technique. After shaping, he applies a glaze and fires the works at 1200°C. In another step, he uses special pigment colors and subjects the works to another firing process, but at a much lower temperature.
A desired effect of this method is the small dots that emerge under the blue glaze. Each product is a unique piece, whose beauty is enhanced by the individual characteristics. The special aesthetics of "imperfection" have long been appreciated in Japan (Wabi-Sabi).
