Anagama firing (take 2)

Starting fire is very small to slowly increase the heat, its easy to ramp up the kiln temperature increasable fast.

Kojima san (pictured above in green) was doing the 1am to 9am shift! and had perfect throwing technique! which I tried to capture on camera.

I had the shifts of 4am to 9am, and after some practice got the hang of throwing in the wood just where I wanted it to go instead of hitting the bricks.

To help the wood ash spread throughout the kiln a very long shovel is used.

Looking inside the kiln it is so beautiful and fascinating (the photos don't to it justice) and when the ash piles up it resembles shimmering gold.

A week later the kiln is cool enough (just about) to open

Dai Rong LEE's exhibition

My fellow Artist-In-Residence, Dai Rong from Taiwan has put up her exhibition!

This piece is off to Kanazawa, for a International Exhibition

Tanuki and Hanko stamps

Ceramic Tanuki statues (raccoons) are everywhere in Shigaraki, its famous for making Raccoons and  Frogs to bring luck and business.  They even use it to make pancake like sweets filled with sweet red beans or custard called Taiyaki (delicious).

There is a Tanuki festival happening in October and are getting many artists to decorate and donate one.

This one is mine, though I haven't decided what to do with it yet.

One of the major things I have noticed in my adventure is the importance of the artist signature  In Japan everyone has a 'Hanko' stamp used instead of handwriting a signature. This tradition hasn't died away with the contemporary world which I love, and the artistic design isn't just of the stamp kanji but the handle as well.

These are a few of my fathers Hankos

I made a few for my ceramic work. Starting from the left, Saya in Kanji, my surname Yanagi in Kanji, my hand print and my Initials. Which one do you think I should use?

Quick weekend trip to Kyoto and Osaka

I know its been a long time between this post and my last, blame my new laptop for dying!? and because I'm in Japan getting it fixed took so much longer with the extra hurdles to jump through.  grr...anyway so much to catch up on!

Went back to Kyoto again, only for 1 day to try and see the National Museum which was shut AGAIN!.

 but opposite was Sanjusangendo, a Buddist Temple.

Famous for its 1001 Kannon statues, or Goddess of Mercy (not allowed to photograph so got this off the internet) The arms actually 42 but representing 1000 which in turn represents infinity each carrying a symbol. Their mission is to stay and help on earth until everyone is able to reache enlightenment.

On the veranda, traditionally held a annual archery contest

Ryoanji Temple, famous for its rock gardens, suggesting islands and waves of the sea.

Tourist and picturesque photo above...and reality below.

Lots of school kids on a trip so not the tranquillity I was expecting but apparently its always busy.

The surrounding garden was the star for me.

The next day early off to Osaka to see a exhibition on Yokai, supernatural creatures from Japanese Folklore.

Once again not allowed to take pictures, but if you love strange and mischievous creatures read a few yokai myths for yourself.