Shigemitsu Ohashi

 I have been making ceramics for 35 years and all my work in Japan has been just 
wood fired without any chemical glazes, using an Anagama kiln.
 As a result, my pieces were covered with natural glazes and other characteristics 
unique to Anagama firing.

 Before coming to NZ in 2000, I participated in over 50 Anagama firings with fellow 
potters in various locations, each with different kiln specifications. I also studied  
Anagama firing under a traditional craftsman in Shigaraki, one of Japan’s 
renowned ceramic towns, part of the “Six Ancient Kilns”. On about 20 of these 
occasions, I deepened my understanding of Anagama’s complex firing techniques.

 ‘Inevitability’, ‘Accident’ and ‘Time’. These are my favorite key words. Nature and 
Life on the Earth were born from these key words. Whenever I sense them in 
something, it would touch my heart. Anagama firing, though on a much smaller 
scale than the vast happenings in the universe, may give it to me.

 Since arriving in New Zealand in 2000, I have become fascinated by developing of 
my own glazes from raw materials, experimenting with various combinations 
through extensive testing. Even when firing in an electric kiln, I have always aimed 
to create pieces that evoke a sense of ‘Nature’. And I am amused by imagining 
what would be happening in chemical reactions of raw materials in the kiln. 

In 2016, I returned to Japan, but I have been given the opportunity to return to 
New Zealand in 2024.