Artist: Reid Ozaki

Reid Ozaki, WASHINGTON
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From very early in my life, I have been surrounded by the traditional Japanese arts. My strongest influence was my grandfather’s love of Bonsai, gardens and plants. When I started my ceramic career, this very naturally led to an interest in the art of Ikebana, then to Chanoyu, the Japanese Tea Ceremony. The study of the Tea Ceremony and the making of the utensils are the key to the aesthetic I am trying to understand.  

A recent invitation to participate in a Dinnerware exhibition prompted the making of traditional Japanese table ware. I’ve made many Japanese inspired serving pieces including yunomi. However, it dawned on me that I really didn’t know that much about Japanese cuisine, the relationship of food to the ware, what pieces to include and/or how they would be chosen. This is a vast and complicated facet of the culture and I’m just scratching the surface.

I’m pleased to be included in this show; embracing the challenge of imbuing this
everyday utensil with my personal aesthetic. I’m anxious to see this simple concept expressed by so many talented potters.

EDUCATION
1973-1975 University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA, MFA program,  All course work completed

1973 University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA, B.A. in Biology

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
1996-Present Tacoma Community College, Art Department, 

1995
University of Puget Sound, Art Department

Pacific Lutheran University, Art Department 

1993-1994 Guest Lecturer, UPS Philosophy Department, Aesthetics

1973-1975 University of Puget Sound, graduate assistantships

SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2018 Childhood’s End Gallery, Olympia WA

2016
The Gallery, Bainbridge Arts and Crafts; Bainbridge WA; solo exhibition
Childhood’s End Gallery, Olympia WA

2010 The Gallery, Bainbridge Arts and Crafts; Bainbridge WA; solo exhibition

2009 Blue Heron Gallery, Vashon Allied Arts; Vashon Island WA; solo exhibition

2006 The Gallery, Bainbridge Arts and Crafts; Bainbridge WA; solo exhibition

2005 The Depot, Anacortes WA; solo exhibition

2004 Kobo; Seattle WA; solo exhibition

2003
Bryan Ohno Gallery; Seattle WA; solo exhibition
Bibelot Gallery, Honolulu HI, “Shibui”; solo exhibition

2001 William Zimmer Gallery, Mendocino, CA; solo exhibition

1981 The Hand and the Spirit, Scottsdale, AZ; solo exhibition

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2017 NCECA Portland OR, “Shimpo Tea Bowl Show”

2015 Kobo, Seattle WA;  “In Praise of Shadows”

2014 Clatsop Community College Gallery, “University of Puget Sound Ceramics Alumni

2013 Chehalem Cultural Center, OR; NW Wood Fire”

2007-2010 Northwest Craft Center Gallery; Seattle WA 

2008-2009 Gallery Madera; Tacoma WA; “A Path of Flame”

2006
Northwest Craft Center Gallery; Seattle WA; 
Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection; “Traditions and Translations, Arts of the Earth”
The Gallery, Bainbridge WA; “Intersections; Contemporary Art by Japanese-Americans”

2004
Northwest Craft Center Gallery; Seattle WA; 
Honolulu Academy of Arts; Honolulu HI; “From the Hand”

2006 Tacoma Community College; Tacoma WA; “Ichi go Ichi e”

2003 Artspirit Gallery; Coeur d’Alene ID, “Clay Invitational”

2001 Artspirit Gallery; Coeur d’Alene ID, “Clay Invitational”

2002 Kirkland Arts Center; Kirkland WA, “Chado/Ikebana”

Kitteredge Gallery, University of Puget Sound Tacoma, WA; invitational

1993 King County Arts Commission Gallery; Seattle WA; “Year of American Craft

Bellevue Art Museum, Bellevue, WA, "Northwest Designer Craftsmen”

1982
Hand the Spirit, Scottsdale, AZ ; “American Porcelain: “A New Tradition”
Wing Luke Museum, Seattle, WA; Invitational Asian American Artists Show

1980 Oregon School of Arts and Crafts, Portland, OR; “Crafts Northwest circa 1980”

1977 Bellevue Art Museum, Bellevue, WA; “1977 Crafts Invitational Exhibition”

1976 Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma, WA; “Crafts 76”, 

Renwick Galley, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. “American Porcelain”

SELECTED PUBLIC COLLECTIONS
National Museum of American Art, Smithsonian Institution; Washington, D.C.

Arizona State University; Tempe, AZ

Bemidji State University; MN

Utah State University; Logan, UT

American Museum of Ceramic Art; Pomona, CA

Honolulu Museum of Arts; Honolulu HI

Crocker Museum of Art; Sacramento, CA