[TOKO CLUB EVENTS] We held the "Making Flower Vases in a Wood-Fired Kiln" event.

In conjunction with the 10th Yasuhiro Kondo Exhibition, "TOKO CLUB EVENTS | Making a Vase Fired in a Wood-Fired Kiln" was held on July 1st (Sat) and July 3rd (Mon), with 16 members participating.

This event was the first time that TOKO CLUB EVENTS was held in a ceramic artist's studio.
We made hand-thrown flower vases at Yasuhiro Kondo's workshop in Mashiko Town.

First, to expand on the image of the vase, we collected flowers and plants from the fields and mountains near the workshop.

We were blessed with good weather on both days, and enjoyed forest bathing on the pleasant greenway while listening to the birdsong.
We enjoyed the natural beauty of the forest, where we could even see fireflies at night, and saw a variety of rare plants and flowers.

Returning to the workshop, participants will arrange the collected flowers and plants in a way that inspires them.
The flowers that are arranged according to one's own sensibilities are as varied as the individual.
This was an experience that only Kondo, who enjoys fresh flowers, could have had.

Kondo explained his wood-fired kiln to us.
They are facing the elements of nature, such as fire, wood, wind, and water, and are trying their hand at wood-fired kilns through trial and error.
There are many different pottery experiences available, but there aren't many that involve firing pottery in a wood-fired kiln.
I feel that this is an event that is unique to TOKO CLUB.

After learning about the characteristics of fresh flowers and kilns and solidifying your image, you will move on to making a vase.
Kondo explained the key points of hand-forming clay creation, and we immediately started touching the clay.
The sensitivity that can only be achieved through hand-forming is reflected in the individuality of the pieces.

The participants' works, which included cylinders, vases, basins, deep bowls, oval bowls, and flat vases, were not only all the same shape, but also had no similar shapes.

After the shaping was complete, we asked the client to specify the desired glaze.
It is difficult to intentionally control the firing process in a wood-fired kiln. You won't know until you open the kiln. I hope you will see this as a major part of each piece's individuality.
We received a variety of requests, from glaze colors to unglazed firing.

At the end of the event, we enjoyed tea and sweets served in Kondo's dishes and enjoyed some friendly conversation.

In his opening remarks at the beginning of the workshop, Kondo mentioned the importance of a "healthy lifestyle."
"I am aiming to live a healthy life. I moved to my current studio about two years ago, and I feel like I am slowly getting closer to a healthier lifestyle. Perhaps it is something that is just a little different from modern life. I would be very happy if you could feel even a little of that."

In addition to the vase-making workshop, the event also offered a glimpse into Kondo's life as a ceramic artist, making it a unique pottery event.