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I grew up in the highly populated island of Japan. Unlike The United States, space for homes is limited, placing people closely together. We can not avoid interfering with each other’s business. It is a stressful society, but there are some benefits to the crowded conditions. People tend to carefully follow accepted social habits, which were passed down from their ancestors and serve to keep our cramped conditions orderly and bearable. This in turn serves to strictly preserve attractive Japanese traditions in foods, manners, building, and craft.

One of my favorite Japanese traditions is distinctive kimono patterns. Kimono is the national costume of Japan and is often woven with colorful silk. The designs are constructed with traditional patterns, seasonal plants and flowers, and movements in nature. When I draw dividing lines and grids on my pots, I think of the busy Japanese environment and consistent rules in society. Then I apply colorful glazes, imagining the packed Japanese living conditions as well as the beautiful cultural traditions that I admire. At last, I draw white patterns over all the pots and clear glaze. This some layering process reminds me of the many layers Japanese culture.

21 files, last one added on May 21, 2008

The Japanese traditional "kimono" patterns are outstanding. Patterns are often strongly relate to seasonal changes in nature.

56 files, last one added on Aug 01, 2007

These are Inner Identity series. I am continuously working on developing forms, layers, and colors.

39 files, last one added on Sep 10, 2007

With my work I interpret the "inner identities" of people with varying backgrounds and experiences. Their identities are exposed by the various layers and form of my work. The center layer symbolizes state of mind, and the outside layers portray complexity of emotion. No one person has the same experiences in the outside world or comes into contact with the same people or feedback as others. I try to capture the unique core identities and inner strengths of people and their interaction with the outside world in my work.

My sculpture form is rather inflated like a balloon. Humans deal with tremendous events in individual life. Everyone has a routine, but a day does not always go the way we expect. We deal with small or large distractions. People deal with life as best as they can within their limitations. Some people take on relatively more stress, while others have a lower threshold. When I see people trying to deal with life, I admire and recognize their strength and willpower. My sculptures reflect this struggle, appearing to inhale or hold in tension.

The outside patterns and texture of my work characterize emotional shells that are built up by daily experiences. I create a visible layer covering the center form and add patterns on the surface by carving or glazing. Carving symbolizes mental state, and glazed patterns have some sense of fluid emotions in a person. The layering patterns create an individual, one of a kind personality. The outside shell is not only formed on the core, but also protects the inner layers; the center piece symbolizes the vulnerability of a human's heart and feelings.

1 files, last one added on Aug 01, 2007

These are previous works based on my thesis in 2006 about portraying Japanese people, who live on islands. Japan has many volcanic mountains throughout the country land. People are pushed to live in packed situation. Because of that, people tend to interact more than western culture. By being isolated islands, Japanese have preserved an unique and outstanding culture.

18 files, last one added on Feb 18, 2007

Different placements of figurative work expose various relationships. I am interested in portray a tension in group of people.

10 files, last one added on May 04, 2006

These are my earlier works. They are my simple response to nature beauty.

32 files, last one added on May 18, 2006

I worked with wood for 2 and a half years along with ceramics. I enjoyed almost opposite craftsmanship comparing to ceramics. Wood needs to take off material to form, but I could usually add onto clay to build.

17 files, last one added on Jun 17, 2008

Ai Yamamoto
Okemos, Michigan, USA
contact@aiyamamoto.com

BORN
Hiroshima, JAPAN

EDUCATION
2007/05 Post Baccalaureate Program/Ceramics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI Link
Studied with Brian Boldon and Blake Williams.
2006/05 B.F.A. in Crafts/Ceramics, The University of The Arts, Philadelphia, PA Link Ceramics Studied with Larry J. Donahue, Alec Karros, James Makins, and Lizbeth Stewart. Wood Studied with Jack Larimore and Roy Superior.
2005/08 Ceramics Summer Program, Kyoeigama, Tokoname, JAPAN Link
Studied with Koumei Takeuchi.
2005/06-07 Ceramics Summer Program, Alfred University, Alfred, NY Link
Studied with John Gill, Andrea Gill, and William Carty.
1996-1997 Various English Language Schools including LCI and Fremington, Toronto, CANADA.
1993 Associate Dietitian Degree, Foods and Dietitian Course, Kyoto Women College, Kyoto, JAPAN
1991 HS Diploma, Akifuchu High School, Hiroshima, JAPAN

GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2008/05 East Lansing Art Festival as Emerging Artist Link
2007/09 Twilight In Garden, Auction Donation, Invitation, Kresge Art Museum, MI Link
2007/08 Lansing Artery 1, Lansing, MI Link
2007/04 INFLUX, Gallery 101, MI
2007/04 2007 Juried Undergraduate Exhibition, Kresge Art Museum, Michigan States University, MI
2006/12 Michigan States University, ?tudents and Faculty Show, Dancing Crane Gallery, MI
2006/05-06 End of Year Exhibition. Rosenwald Wolf Gallery, PA
2006/05 Ceramics Student Exhibition. The University of The Arts, PA
2006/05 The Philadelphia Furniture and Furnishings Show at University of The Arts booth, Philadelphia Convention Center, PA Link
2006/05 Blood. Sweat. Emulsion. Icebox Gallery, PA
2006/04 The End of the Beginning. Gallery Siano, PA Link
2005/04 Craft Exhibition. Hamilton Estate Wayne, PA
2005/12 Industrial Revolution. The University of The Arts, PA
2004/12 It's a Good Thing. The University of The Arts, PA
2003/12 Illumination and Shadow. The University of The Arts, PA

WORK EXPERIENCES
2007-Present Studio Artist
2004-2006 Assistantship with Sumi Maeshima, Ceramics Artist, Philadelphia, PA
2005 Internship with Michael Hurwitz, Furniture Maker, Philadelphia, PA
1999-2003 English Conversation Teacher & Salesperson, ACE Co.Ltd. International Travel Agency, Hiroshima, JAPAN
1993-1995 Chief of Nutrition and Cook, Tanimoto General Clinic, Mizuno Internal Hospital, Yamasaki General Hospital, Hiroshima, JAPAN
1995 Passed the National Examination for Administrative Dietitians, JAPAN

Related Activities
2008, 2007, 2005 NCECA Link member, conference attended: Pittsburg PA, Louisville KY, Baltimore MD
2008, 2007 Potter's Council Link member

AWARD, HONORS, and PUBLIC RECOGNITION
2008 NOISE by Lansing State Journal, Emerging Artist at East Lansing Art Festival
2007 Craft In America, Virtual Exhibitions Link
2006 Ceramics U-Arts Faculty Award
2003-2005 U-Arts Dean's List Honors, Spring 2005, Fall 2005, Spring 2004, Fall 2003, Spring 2003
2005 Nominee The Alexander Award
2002-2003 Crozier Award

1 files, last one added on Feb 26, 2007

This is my recent pottery work available for sale. Please contact me through email for more details, shipping fee etcetera. Each size is shown as H (Hight) x D (Diameter), or H (Hight) x L (Length) x W (Width) in inches. Email address contact@aiyamamoto.com

38 files, last one added on Jun 17, 2008