Shuji Ikeda's guest appearances

Shuji Ikeda

KQED: Spark Art Video Podcast

Spark

Lu Huan

Lawrence Ferlinghetti

Danongan Kalanduyan

Joe Mangrum

Katherine Westerhout

Michael Arcega

Nikolas Weinstein

Gregory Gavin

Tracey Snelling

Lauren Shera

Anna Von Mertens

Chris Natrop

Pamela Z

Pamina Traylor

Viola Frey

OwlTail

Spark visits with Ikeda in his studio and at a "noborigama" in Napa County, which is a 30-foot wood-burning kiln that is kept burning for seven days straight. Such kilns have been used in Japan since the 17th century. The noborigama's wood-firing technique produces a unique natural ash glaze.Like most ceramicists, Ikeda has developed his own distinctive styles of glazing, formulating personal recipes such as the refined "sei shya," or blue rust, which he uses on his dappled, woven baskets. But it is the philosophy of the age-old ikebana that most clearly informs his work in clay, which can be intricate or simple, highly finished or naturalistic.

Spark visits with Ikeda in his studio and at a "noborigama" in Napa County, which is a 30-foot wood-burning kiln that is kept burning for seven days straight. Such kilns have been used in Japan since the 17th century. The noborigama's wood-firing technique produces a unique natural ash glaze.<br><br>Like most ceramicists, Ikeda has developed his own distinctive styles of glazing, formulating personal recipes such as the refined "sei shya," or blue rust, which he uses on his dappled, woven baskets. But it is the philosophy of the age-old ikebana that most clearly informs his work in clay, which can be intricate or simple, highly finished or naturalistic.

Ceramics with Shuji Ikeda

Visit the studio of ceramicist and ikebana artist Shuji Ikeda to see his craftsmanship and innovative methods. Original air date: March 2007.

Spark: Shuji Ikeda