Gary Uchikura

Coming from an agricultural science background, entering the art field appears to be quite a leap to make, but my observations of the world have always had some kind of art aesthetic informing them. Like many, I have long been searching through my cultural heritage for the markers of my identity, whether through martial arts or delving into the artefacts of Japanese ritual.

Ceramics were a natural transition that i had been leaning towards for many years. There is a long Japanese connection to ceramics, tea ceremony, the origins of Jomon pottery, and over from the various refined techniques of Chinese and Korean artisans. An array of these influences affect the forms I currently make in clay.