The Volcanic Spirit of Shozo Michikawa: A Journey in Clay

Shozo Michikawa, a name synonymous with striking, sculptural ceramic vessels, has captivated the art world with his unique approach to an ancient craft. Born and raised in the shadow of Mount Usu, a volcano in Hokkaido, Japan, Michikawa’s work pulsates with an energy reminiscent of the earth’s raw power. His journey, however, began far from the potter’s wheel, taking him from the bustling cityscapes of Tokyo to the heart of Seto, Japan’s renowned pottery center.

This is the story of a man who defied expectations, broke free from tradition’s grip, and carved his own path in the world of ceramics, his art a testament to the beauty found in embracing individuality and the unpredictable nature of the creative process.

From Economics to Art: A Leap of Faith

Michikawa’s path to becoming a ceramic artist was anything but conventional. While his family envisioned him taking over their hot springs hotel, his heart yearned for a different kind of expression. Art, particularly music and travel, beckoned him, leading him to explore his creative side even as he pursued a degree in economics.

After a stint in the corporate world of Tokyo, Michikawa realized that his true calling lay elsewhere. He found solace and inspiration in evening art classes, where he first encountered the allure of clay. This marked a turning point in his life. Despite having a young family and limited resources, he made the bold decision to relocate to Seto, the heartland of Japanese ceramics, to fully immerse himself in the world of pottery.

Challenging Norms, Honoring Tradition

Seto, with its rich ceramic heritage spanning centuries, presented both opportunities and challenges for Michikawa. While he honed his technical skills, he found himself drawn to a more unconventional, sculptural approach to ceramics, a stark contrast to the traditional, functional wares that dominated the region.

Michikawa’s journey was further shaped by his experiences outside the traditional apprenticeship system. Working in a ceramic factory exposed him to the rigors of mass production, but it also fueled his desire to create unique, individual pieces that bore the distinct mark of the artist’s hand.

This desire led him to develop his signature style. He began experimenting with forms, eschewing the typical round shapes created on the potter’s wheel in favor of squares and triangles. His process, a dance between control and spontaneity, involves centering a block of clay, cutting it into a defined shape, and then expanding the form from the inside out using his hand or a tool as the wheel spins. The result is a collection of vessels that are both dynamic and elegant, their surfaces alive with movement and texture.

Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life

While Michikawa’s work reflects the volcanic landscapes of his youth, his inspiration extends far beyond the natural world. He finds beauty and intrigue in the ordinary, drawing inspiration from travel, diverse cultures, history, and the people he encounters.

He believes that stepping outside the confines of the art world can lead to unexpected discoveries. He relishes the opportunity to teach and share his passion for ceramics with individuals from all walks of life, particularly those who bring fresh perspectives and a willingness to break free from established norms.

The Language of Clay and Fire

Michikawa’s artistic vocabulary extends beyond form to encompass a deep understanding of materials and firing techniques. He often works with Japanese clay, appreciating its organic feel and unique properties. His glazes, often simple yet striking, enhance the natural beauty of the clay, allowing its texture and character to shine through. He employs techniques like ash glazing, where wood ash melts onto the surface, and Kohiki, a method involving a white engobe and clear glaze, to create subtle variations in color and texture.

For Michikawa, the firing process is a collaboration with the elements, a dance between control and surrender. He favors the ancient anagama kiln, a design dating back over a thousand years. This wood-fired kiln, with its unpredictable nature, yields pieces that bear the unique markings of the fire, each piece a testament to the transformative power of heat and time.

A Legacy in Clay

Shozo Michikawa’s work has garnered international acclaim, with his pieces finding homes in prestigious museums and private collections worldwide. He has received numerous accolades, including a nomination for the LOEWE Craft Prize and the acquisition of his work by the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Beyond the recognition, Michikawa finds immense satisfaction in knowing that his creations will continue to inspire and captivate audiences long after he is gone. He is also deeply committed to fostering the next generation of ceramic artists, organizing the International Ceramic Art Festival in Sasama, Japan, to provide a platform for emerging artists to connect, share their work, and learn from one another.

Embracing the Journey

Shozo Michikawa’s story is a testament to the power of following one’s own path, embracing experimentation, and finding beauty in unexpected places. His advice to aspiring artists is simple yet profound: “The most important thing is to keep making. Enjoy yourself and be sure to have fun. And rather than focusing on immediate priorities, take the long view to get where you want to go.”

For Michikawa, the journey is just as important as the destination, a philosophy reflected in the dynamic, expressive, and utterly unique ceramic creations that have come to define his remarkable career.

Further Exploration:

• The Art of Japanese Pottery: Explore the rich history and diverse styles of Japanese ceramics through the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
• The LOEWE Craft Prize: Discover the work of contemporary craft artists from around the world who are pushing the boundaries of their chosen mediums.
• The V&A Museum: Delve into the world-renowned collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, home to a vast array of decorative arts and design, including ceramics.