ARTISTS / Eiko Maeda 

I acquired traditional urushi/lacquer technique at the Joshibi University of Art and Design in Tokyo, Japan. Since then, I have always wanted to continue in arts but it was much later in 2006 when I started learning ceramics. Ceramics training in the Visual Arts Center in Montreal helped me acquire and explore different techniques. After moving to Toronto in 2010, I have been working independently using many of the traditional methods and forms of Japanese ceramics to create contemporary design. Through my work, I strive to express the elegance, delicacy and modesty of the Japanese culture. 

​

My work focuses on a technique called nerikomi, and I trained under Eiji Murofushi in Fuji, Japan. His work and involvement with public has been influential in broadening the field and increasing the number of nerikomi artists in Japan. After the passing of Eiji in 2019, I now have a mission of building on what I have learned from him to teach others and interpreting his work and passion in my own way to continue learning and developing this technique. I hope that the technique becomes more recognized in the field of contemporary ceramics, and that my small contribution helps to promote it.

​

EDUCATION

 

2006-2010

Visual Arts Center, Montreal, Canada

1984

BA (Fine Arts) Joshibi University of Art and Design, Tokyo, Japan

 

AWARDS 

 

2023

Ceramics Excellence Award, Toronto Outdoor Art Fair

2021

Helen Copeland Memorial Award, Craft Ontario 

2020

Ceramics Excellence Award, Toronto Outdoor Art Fair

2018

Honorable Mention in Ceramics, Toronto Outdoor Art Fair

2016

Carolyn McIntire Smyth Special Award, Cabbagetown Art and Crafts Sale

2014

Ontario Arts Council Access and Career Development Grant for training, workshop and mentorship in nerikomi ceramics

2012

Ontario Arts Council Access and Career Development Grant for portfolio development (website, video, professional photos)

 

INVITED WORKSHOPS/ DEMONSTRATIONS

 

• Art Gallery of Burlington (June 2023)

• Ceramic Congress - Virtual, the Ceramic School (May 2021, November 2021)

• Burlington Potters’ Guild (February 2021)

• Toronto Potters’ Guild (January 2021)

• Pottery Hazama, Montreal, QC (March 2020)

• Pine Tree Potters' Guild, Aurora, ON (March 2020, October 2020)

• Mississauga Potters’ Guild, Mississauga, ON (May 2019)

• LOAM Clay Studio, Ottawa, ON (October 2018, March 2019, March 2020)

• Regina and Area Potters' Guild, Regina, SK (October 2018)

 

MEDIA

 

• de kleine K (Oct 2022): “KNOWHOW” Eiko Maeda: https://inspiratie.ceramic.nl/nummers.html

• Ceramic Monthly (Feb 2019): “Simple Elegance with Eiko Maeda” https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/ceramics-monthly/ceramics-monthly-article/Simple-Elegance-with-Eiko-Maeda-208523#

• CBC Arts (2016): “Meet the artist using a secret Japanese technique to create amazing porcelain ceramics” https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/911348291875

 

EXHIBITIONS

 

2023

​

“Unprecedented - Joint Ceramics Exhibition on the Art of Neriage V”, Touch Ceramics, Hong Kong

​

“Taking Root”, Schaller Gallery, Baroda, MI

 

Clay Works, Radius Gallery, Missoula, MT

 

2022

In Tandem Gallery Solo Exhibition, Bakersville, NC

Dallas Pottery Invitational, Dallas, TX

 

7th Annual Ceramics Invitational, Radius Gallery, Missoula, MT

“In Focus” Eiko Maeda & Lisa Orr, Schaller Gallery, Baroda, MI

 

2021

“Flourishing”, Schaller Gallery, Baroda, MI

 

2020

“Strong, Resilient, Feminine”, Schaller Gallery, MI

 

“Superimposed", Schaller Gallery, Baroda, MI

 

2019

“Floriferous", Schaller Gallery, Baroda, MI

"Cool, Clean, Crisp", Schaller Gallery, Baroda, MI

“Year of Japan”, Gardiner Museum, Toronto, ON

 

2018

“Sleek", Schaller Gallery, Baroda, MI

"Time- Honored", Schaller Gallery, Baroda, MI

"Finessing the Line", General Fine Craft, Almonte, ON

 

2017

“Bijoux Collect: Small Works", Schaller Gallery, Baroda, MI

 

2016

Vilya Ou: Shu & Eiko Maeda: Spring Air, L.A.Pai Gallery, Ottawa, ON

 

CRAFT SHOWS

 

2023

Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, Toronto, ON

Ash and Barrel, Hamilton, ON

​

2022

Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, Toronto, ON

​

2021

Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, Toronto, ON

​

2020

Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, Toronto, ON

​

2019

Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, Toronto, ON

YUNOMI INVITATIONAL, CLAYAKAR, Iowa City, IA

​

2018

260 Fingers, Ottawa, ON

Gardiner Museum Shop Retail Show, Toronto, ON

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, Toronto, ON

​

2017

OneofaKind Christmas Show, Toronto, ON

Cabbagetown Art and Crafts Sale, Toronto, ON

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, Toronto, ON

​

2016

OneofaKind Christmas Show, Toronto, ON

Cabbagetown Art and Crafts Sale, Toronto, ON

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, Toronto, ON

​

2015

OneofaKind Christmas Show, Toronto, ON

Cabbagetown Art and Crafts Sale, Toronto, ON

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, Toronto, ON

​

2014

OneofaKind Christmas Show, Toronto, ON

Cabbagetown Art and Crafts Sale, Toronto, ON

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, Toronto, ON

Beaches Arts and Crafts Show, Toronto, ON

​

2013

OneofaKind Christmas Show, Toronto, ON

Cabbagetown Art and Crafts Sale, Toronto, ON

Muskoka Arts & Crafts Summer Show, Bracebridge, ON

Beaches Arts and Crafts Show, Toronto, ON

OneofaKind Spring Show, Toronto, ON

​

2012

OneofaKind Christmas Show, Toronto, ON

Cabbagetown Art and Crafts Sale, Toronto, ON

OneofaKind Spring Show, Toronto, ON

​

2011

The Moose Show, Toronto, ON

 

STOCKLISTS

 

Ontario, CA

Gardiner Museum Shop, Toronto, ON

Craft Ontario Shop, Toronto, ON

DISH Gallery + Studio, Toronto, ON

Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Waterloo, ON

Guild Works, Princess Edward County, ON

L.A Pai Gallery, Ottawa, ON

General Fine Craft, Almonte, ON

USA

Sara Japanese Pottery, New York City, NY

Schaller Gallery, Baroda, MI

In Tandem Gallery, Bakersville, NC

Radius Gallery, Missoula, MT