ARTISTS / Mari Yoshimura

Mari Yoshimura (b. 1988) is a female ceramic artist born in Ishikawa, Japan, specialising in Kutani ware. She graduated from the Ishikawa Prefectural Kutani Ware Technical Training Center in 2012 and continued her studies at the Kanazawa Utatsuyama Kogei Kobo the same year, where she studied under master potter Takeyama Fukushima. Until 2015, she received multiple awards and honours in various competitions and exhibitions, including the Grand Prix at IKEYAN Audition 2011 (2011), Technical Excellence Award at the 36th Traditional Kutani Craft Exhibition (2013), Excellence Award at the 54th Ishikawa Traditional Craft Exhibition(2013), Honourable Mention at the 7th Snow Design Competition (2013), and Encouragement Prize at the 28th Japan Jewellery Art Competition (2014).

 

Yoshimura is skilled in the Kutani ware technique of "aka-e saibyō" (red drawing with fine lines), which involves using extremely fine red lines to create unique patterns. Through the use of the colour red, she presents sensual and graceful feminine elements as the foundation of her creations, further unleashing her imagination to create works with a unique atmosphere, such as the appearance of pulsating veins and blushing cheeks. She believes that everyone seeks resonance with life and the satisfaction of spiritual needs, especially in today's world where loneliness is prevalent. Therefore, she hopes to establish a deeper connection between her works and the viewers' hearts by using vessels as a medium. Her pieces are mainly vessels with a unique style, allowing viewers to feel her distinctive perspective and creativity. Yoshimura's works not only exist as physical objects, but also serve as a spiritual solace and comfort for people.

 

2011 Graduated from the Ishikawa Prefectural Kutani Ware Technical Training Center undergraduate programme, and studied under master potter Takeyama Fukushima.

2012 Graduated from the Ishikawa Prefectural Kutani Ware Technical Training Center graduate programme

2015 Completed training at the Kanazawa Utatsuyama Kogei Kobo

 

Selected Exhibitions

 

2015 Solo exhibition, Gallery Suk, Aichi, Japan

2016 Solo exhibition, Mitsukoshi Department Store Art Salon, Nihonbashi, Tokyo, Japan

Solo exhibition, Art Gallery, Abeno Harukas Kintetsu department store, Osaka, Japan

2019 Solo exhibition, Gallery Suien, Aichi, Japan

2020 Solo exhibition "The Scent of Crimson", Enko Gallery, Ishikawa, Japan

2021 Solo exhibition, Garo Bunshindo Gallery, Gifu prefecture

2023 Dancing Kutani: Blooming and Resonance of Beauty, Touch Ceramics, Hong Kong

 

Currently engaged in ceramic art creation in Kanazawa