Koichi Fujioka｜Ceramist

Brand

a lone ceramist

Koichi Fujioka

• 2005
• Ceramist
• Koichi Fujioka

History

Ceramics is my true calling

In 1976, I was born in Himeji city, Hyogo prefecture.Before becoming a ceramist, I was employed by a company that conducts electrical maintenance and interior construction, and I was in a position that has nothing to do with the world of ceramics and crafts.I was fascinated by the profundity of pottery in a pottery class in which I happened to participate.I decided to become a ceramic artist right away, and began making pottery from 2003.I took entrance examinations to the vocational training centers and the art schools nationwide, but without success.I decided then to continue making pottery by myself, while making a living by part-time job.

In 2005 I set up my own atelier when I took over the kiln which was used in the pottery class I visited.

Characteristic

A long way to success

Since setting up my own atelier, I won prizes in various competitions.However, only making pottery was not enough to live.

I continued to do other part-time jobs while making pottery on my own.Even in this hard time, the passion for the pottery in my heart never faded.Finally in October 2014, after 10 years of persuing pottery as my sole profession, the "Sunset glow series" were completed.Soon after that, in January 2015, I won the "Best Award" at the 23rd Tableware Festival and I become a ceramist who attracts public attention at once.The "Sunset glow series" shed completely different light from the works I had ever made.

At the moment I opened the door of the kiln, I felt that 10 years of effort was rewarded.

For Customers

Meet people through my work

Since I didn't belong to any vocational training centers or art schools, I had no teachers whom I can ask for instraction.I continued to build my pottery skill on my own.I could keep going because making people happy with my pottery gives me joy in my life.I myself felt always happy when I make pottery.

Though I had to get my living through part time jobs, I never thought of giving up pottery or becoming a ceramist.It's a great pleasure to me, a self-taugt, lone ceramist, to encounter various people through my works.When my pottaries enhance the pleasure of the table, all of the work that I put into creating them has really paid off.

Awards

2008 Asahi Ceramics Exhibition

· Biamaag Lankai Winner, Tottori Grand Prix Excellence Award Winning the 2009 Kobe Biennale、2010 bowl Grand Prix Excellence Award、2011 Grand Prix Grand Prix winner prize, Japanese craft exhibition

· Kobe Biennale

· Contemporary tea pottery exhibition winner、2012 Biamaag Lankai selected、2013 Japan Craft Exhibition Encouragement Prize, Kobe Biennale

· Takaoka Craft Exhibition Winner、Celebration in 2014 Craft · International Ceramic Festival MINO

· Itami International Craft Exhibition

· Soba Inoguchi Art Competition Exhibition、2015 Tableware Festival Best Award Winner, 44th Long-a-Season Award Tokoname Ceramics Exhibition Nagaso Award, 23rd Japan Ceramics Exhibition

· 3rd Ceramic Exhibition

· 8th Contemporary Tea Ceramic Exhibition Winning、2018 Tableware Festival Jury Prize Award