Participant from U.K.
Program: 30-day Pottery Making in Seto – With Guidance
Start date: 29th September 2024
Message:
Such a wonderful experience that went way beyond all expectations!
Kato sensei is a very special person, and a generous teacher, whose lineage and skill speaks for itself, he was great to learn from and observe.
There were so many aspects of pottery making that were touched upon, which I could practice to my heart’s content, such as spiral wedging large amounts of clay, throwing off the hump, making tools, hand building chawan, trimming, decorating and glazing according to local tradition, and much more.
Kato sensei’s apprentice, Amber, was also extremely helpful, knowledgeable and fun to be with!
I was lucky enough to time my stay during a rare wood firing, which was very exciting, not least with respect to seeing elementary school students’ works coming out of the kiln. Kato sensei’s commitment to the local community is both impressive and inspiring.
The ancient pottery town of Seto offers much, including some interesting museums, as well as lovely cafes and restaurants. Be warned that the pottery tool shop in Seto is a very tempting place to visit more than once or twice!
There were many opportunities to go out and eat together as a group, and Kato sensei even found the time in his busy schedule to arrange nabe parties and to take us to his favourite onsen!
I also had the pleasure of taking trips to local temples, and other pottery towns and places with my fellow students, as well as participating in a local workshop on Nerikomi with another master potter.
The accommodation on offer was basic but comfortable and it was great to be able to roll straight out of or into bed from the pottery studio!
I am a relative beginner, so am very grateful to have had this experience, where I can continue to practice all that I have learnt now that I am back home.
Thank you to everyone, and also to Nagamine san for arranging and organising this program so well.
Don’t hesitate to book a place for yourself for as long as you can!