Noted ceramic artist Clayton Amemiya will present an illustrated lecture about his work at 10:30 a.m. today at the Hawaii Japanese Center. The presentation is free and open to the public.
Noted ceramic artist Clayton Amemiya will present an illustrated lecture about his work at 10:30 a.m. today at the Hawaii Japanese Center. The presentation is free and open to the public.
Amemiya studied under the internationally renowned Seisho Kuniyoshi in Yomitan, Okinawa, Japan, including numerous long and short visits between 1972 and 1977.
In 1979, Amemiya and his wife, Janet, purchased 3 acres of agricultural land in Waiakea Uka, where he built his home and studio. With the assistance of Kuniyoshi, Amemiya completed construction of a traditional, wood-burning anagama (cave kiln) in 1986.
In the years since, Amemiya has fired the large kiln three to four times a year.
Each firing takes four-plus days of hard work and adjustments, with the artist and his helpers taking six-hour shifts.
Amemiya’s presentation today coincides with the special Japan Foundation exhibition, “Handcrafted Form: Traditions and Techniques,” which opened May 23 at the Hawaii Japanese Center. The exhibition features more than 90 handcrafted objects created by noted master artisans from throughout Japan.
The exhibition also is free and open to the public.
“Handcrafted Form” will remain on view at the Hawaii Japanese Center, 751 Kanoelehua Ave., until June 27. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
For more information, email the center at contact@hawaiijapanesecenter.com or call 934-9611 between the hours of 10 a.m.-1 p.m.