Another wonderful year of Akio & Taka at Heath has come and gone. In light of world affairs, this year was different from the rest. Our eleventh show together flourished from afar, rather than in-person. We’re grateful for each passing year.
Please enjoy our conversation with Akio as we prepared for our 10th Anniversary show, in 2019.
Having Adam Silverman see your work in Japan and ask you to show in the US must have been an honor — exciting and scary?
I was so honored and excited to hear his suggestion then. To be honest, it was the first trip outside of Japan for me. I was so excited for having a chance to visit a foreign country, but I thought it would be the first and last trip overseas.
What was the first show at Heath Ceramics like for you?
I asked Adam what I should make for my show. He told me, “do the same as you do in Japan.” His words made me so relieved, and I was able to finish my work while relaxing.
Each year, you create new styles for us — it’s exciting to see. What’s the process of creating something new, yet still so Akio?
Throwing, throwing, throwing! And firing, firing, firing!
What does Wabi Sabi mean? There are so many poor English translations — tell us what it means for you. Do you consider your work Wabi Sabi?I love Wabi Sabi, but even for a Japanese potter like me, it’s very difficult to answer. Things can be rusted and become dirty and disappear by deteriorating over time. Basically, it is deterioration — it is a negative image. But sometimes we can find unique beauty in our aesthetic sense during the deteriorating. I think that kind of sensibility is called Wabi Sabi: accepting as it is naturally made. It's natural for me to explore rustic texture.
After 10 years, do you have any Heath pieces at home? Which ones?I usually use Heath’s cups that can be used for soup and plates.
What is the most memorable moment from the last 10 years?It was the 2011 show: we had an earthquake disaster before my show starting-day. On that day I was in the Narita airport with my family to go to LA — it was so scary.
We got to LA, and the show opened safely on March 12, but my studio and home were damaged. Adam and Heath started a donation for me — I can’t thank them enough.
After knowing Cathy and Robin for 10 years, how would you describe them?They are awesome. They always have an open mind and they're brave. They made Heath Ceramics grow greatly in these 10 years. Not only that, they've created a new handmade culture in a ceramic business — that's unbelievable. I'm so happy and honored to be able to work with them.
Thank you, Akio! Join us as we celebrate — see and shop new work, toast with us to the tenth year, and mingle with Akio and friends at the upcoming
Opening Reception, Akio & Heath: Forming Tradition Since 2009.Don’t forget to follow along
#akioandheath for the decade-long story.
