Artist Research: Shio Kusaka
To gain more inspiration and learn more about ceramics I will be looking at some work from Shio Kusaka.
The subtle carvings in this piece stood out to me from this specific exhibition, the carvings are uneven and the mug is not smoothly shaped. However, it looks intentional in this case. The design has a lot going on with the uneven carvings in different direction, yet it looks simplistic and gives off a calming feeling. "Her somewhat irregular shapes, but strikingly beautiful surfaces, hold a commanding position in the contemporary art world." (The Nevica Project, n.d.).
Leaning even more into the imperfect is this piece. It is unusual to see porcelain used in a way such as this, with the delicate stereotype removed. The base is centered, however, the opening is slightly slanted and the sides are completely uneven and dented. There is a slight texture to the piece, making it even more interesting. It still looks elegant somehow, despite its imperfect appearance. "Kusaka has managed to direct and produce a sharply focused line of inquiry with a generally whimsical vibe." (Varadi, 2016). It fits perfectly into the primitivism theme with its imperfections and simplistic features.
This piece is stoneware, the same material I am working with for my project. Instead of the carvings, this piece is completely painted. "Fun and fantastic beasts aside, Kusaka is perhaps still most widely known for works in clay that evoke ancient vessels, whether Egyptian, Greek or Japanese in origin." (Piejko, 2020). Kusaka uses ancient practices and adds her personal touch to them, with carvings and scenes from children's books or making them into fruit for example.
One of the pieces I am currently working on was inspired by Kusaka's work and their imperfections. I wanted to try making something simplistic while still incorporating different textures and forms. This particular piece resembles a puff ball mushroom to stay in line with the theme of my cups and mugs.
References:
The Nevica Project (n.d.). Shio Kusaka. [online] The Nevica Project. Available at: https://www.thenevicaproject.com/shio-kusaka [Accessed 22 May 2024].
Piejko, J. (2020). Like the Best Guest at a House Party: Shio Kusaka. [online] Frieze. Available at: https://www.frieze.com/article/best-guest-house-party-shio-kusaka [Accessed 22 May 2024].
Varadi, K.J. (2016). Shio Kusaka at Blum & Poe. [online] Available at: https://contemporaryartreview.la/shio-kusaka-at-blum-poe/ [Accessed 22 May 2024].
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