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Although born
in Tokyo, Aki has lived in this
country since 1971 and only became interested in making ceramics some years
after settling here. Initially she concentrated on producing tableware, which
was naturally based on traditional Japanese items, which she had used all of
her life. Subsequently the work developed away from the practical to
encompass the sculptural work most of us are now familiar with. This work has
many layers of glazes applied and is usually fired more than once to
stoneware temperature. Following this Aki will sandblast the surface; her own
speeded up weathering, a process that fascinates her, until satisfied with
the outcome. Like all good sculpture Aki's perception of space is key to the work's success but I think that because it
always has function as a reference point it is more accessible than some more
abstract work.
Aki is a Fellow of the Craft Potters' Association of Great
Britain and, although she has not been as productive as some potters have,
she has gained a considerable reputation. Her work was represented at SOFA in
Chicago during November 2004 and at COLLECT in London in early 2005 and
2006.
A second solo exhibition of Aki’s work was held at the Harlequin
Gallery in November 2006 when she announced that it was to be her last
exhibition, as she had decided to stop potting.
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