kokoro・ 心 ・ of the heart and mind
![Vases and Tea Bowl from [Shoshin - Beginner’s Mind] Series.](https://kokorostudioceramics.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/15578/2020/11/IMG_0059.jpg)
Vases and Tea Bowl from [Shoshin – Beginner’s Mind] Series.
Ceramics for the heart and mind
Ceramics are our constant companions. Through the simple act of drinking tea or enjoying food with our loved ones, the ceramics we use in our homes are deeply embedded in the fabric of our lives. They have the ability to transform our state of being. To comfort us, lift our spirits, form parts of our daily rituals and remind us to take a step back to be fully present in the intrinsic beauty and heartfelt nature of everyday moments. It is an experience that deeply engages the heart and mind. And a relationship that is strengthened with time and attention.
The Philosophy
Ichigo Ichie （一期一会）is a Japanese philosophy that refers to the transient, once in a lifetime nature of things. Not long after I started learning ceramics, I began learning and practising Urasenke Tea Ceremony.
I was deeply moved by the concept of acknowledging the beauty in fleeting moments. It is a philosophy that implores one to savour the richness and beauty in the simplicity of the everyday.
No two moments are the same, and we as people are always in the process of change. I am deeply conscious of this as I create small series of ceramics that are one of a kind and a constant reflection of my evolving creative heart and mind.
Photo by: Laura Droße
Location: Ceramic Kingdom
Photo by: Laura Droße
Location: Manufactory
The Journey
Born and raised in Singapore, I remember first being inspired by photos of Japanese ceramics in a magazine. A few years ago, I started taking basic hand-building and wheel throwing classes before a sabbatical from work allowed me the time off to pursue my learning of ceramics.
Over the past few years, I have had the chance to undertake residencies in the Japanese pottery towns of Seto, Tokoname and Tajimi. Through those experiences, I was moved by the strong culture of artisan craftsmanship that revolves around a deep respect for the heartwarming humanism of handmade crafts. Since 2017, I have been based in Berlin, Germany with my husband, and during this time I have had the great opportunity to learn and practise in both independent and communal ceramic studio spaces. Being in the heart of Europe has been a real blessing in allowing me to travel around the region to attend workshops and continue my ceramic learning. The multicultural environment has been an eye-opening experience for me as I have met and interacted with artists of different backgrounds and aesthetics.
Each piece made by me is unique with subtle variations of form, texture, curves, and will always be a reflection of my influences and ideals. It is through these eccentricities, asymmetries, and imperfections that I hope to share the warmth and intimacy of handmade ceramics with you. I hope that you will enjoy your time spent with these ceramics as they grow to become an intimate part of your life.
