Artist: Eiko Maeda

Eiko Maeda, CANADA
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It was my innate love of art that brought me to the Joshibi University of Art and Design in Tokyo where I specialized in Japanese lacquer (Urushi). During that time I began to appreciate the deep connection among art, culture and Japanese history, while developing a particular interest in the deeply rooted tradition of Japanese ceramics. It was years later, after moving to Montreal, that I chose to fully pursue this passion by taking up the study of ceramics.

Today, I work in my own house studio in Woodbridge, Ontario. I devote my life to my work, through which I strive to express the elegance, feminine beauty, delicacy and modesty of Japanese culture. In particular, I have been exploring a new style of ceramics technique, called nerikomi. I had the opportunity to attend a nerikomi ceramics workshop taught by Eiji Murofushi, one of the pioneers in the field of nerikomi ceramics, in 2013 in Fuji, Japan. I was immediately attracted and started to practice nerikomi in Canada where the technique is hardly known. I hope to generate public interest in nerikomi in Canada and to share the beauty of Japanese ceramics.

EDUCATION

1984
BA (Fine Arts) Joshibi University of Art and Design, Tokyo, Japan
2006-2010
Visual Arts Center, Montreal, Canada


AWARDS

2018
Honorable Mention Ceramics, Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
2016
Carolyn McIntire Smyth Special Award, Cabbagetown Art and Crafts Sale
2014
Ontario Arts Council Access and Career Development Grant for training, workshop and mentorship in nerikomi ceramics
2012
Ontario Arts Council Access and Career Development Grant for portfolio development (website, video, professional photos)

EXHIBITIONS

01/2019
“Cool, Clean, Crisp”, Schaller Gallery, St Joseph, MI
12/2018
“Sleek: Smooth. Silky. Suave.”, Schaller Gallery, St Joseph, MI
08-09/2018
Gardiner Museum Shop Retail Show, Toronto, ON
06/2018
“Time-Honored: Sanam Emami, Ryan Greenheck, Eiko Maeda”, Schaller Gallery, St Joseph, MI
03-05/2018
“Finessing the Line”, General Fine Craft, Almonte, ON
11/2017
“Bijoux Collect: Small Works”, Schaller Gallery, St Joseph, MI
05/2016
Vilya Ou: Shu & Eiko Maeda: Spring Air, L.A.Pai Gallery, Ottawa, ON

IN MEDIA

“Simple Elegance by Eiko Maeda”, Ceramic Monthly
“Meet the artist using a secret Japanese technique to create amazing porcelain ceramics”, Exhibitionists, CBC Arts