"I collect and organize what I find interesting in my daily life by making sketches."
Shunji Kikuchi is a ceramic artist based in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. Let’s take a glimpse into the background of his works!
WHEN DID YOU START MAKING CERAMIC PIECES?
I originally chose college to major in industrial design, but when it came time to decide on a major during my 2nd year, I chose ceramics, which I gradually became more interested in.This was the beginning for me to create ceramics.
WHY DO YOU ALSO USE THE SLIP CASTING* TECHNIQUE FOR YOUR WORK, AND WHAT ARE SOME OF THE INTERESTING AND DIFFICULT ASPECTS OF THIS TECHNIQUE?
I use this technique because it allows me to create uniform thickness, to create carefully planned shapes, and to create shapes that cannot be expressed by hand throwing or hand twisting technique. The difficulty is that, unlike the hand throwing, the clay is not tightened, so the shape gets easily warped. Especially simple shapes often suffer from this distortion.
*Slip casting is a type of ceramic molding method in which liquid clay (muddy clay) is poured into a plaster mold and solidified using the mold's water absorbency to create a shape.
HOW DID THE UNIQUELY SHAPED OBJECT AND S-MUG COME ABOUT?
I sometimes sketch without thinking, as is my habit. The object and mug were born out of some sketches that I thought might be interesting to embody.
PLEASE TELL US WHY MOST OF YOUR PIECES HAVE A PURE WHITE COLOR AND MATTE FINISH.
It is because I like the texture of the material, which is moist, smooth, and pleasant to touch, yet solid. I also use it because it makes the forms stand out beautifully casting shadows.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I think it is a sketch I drew. I collect and organize what I find interesting in my daily life by making sketches.
WHAT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU WHEN CREATING?
I pay attention to basic details such as edges and curves, since many of my pieces are simple.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRY IN YOUR FUTURE?
I would like to try something new and different from the techniques and materials I am currently using.
IF YOU HAVE ANY MESSAGE TO THE USERS, PLEASE!
I hope you will enjoy my pieces in your daily life both as tableware and as objects of art.
ORIFT OWNER’S COMMENT
I thought it was an interesting piece of artwork because it gave a new meaning and created a playful mood to an object simply placed near by it. As the piece itself does not tell much, it is interesting to find new meaning from various perspectives. You can also catch a glimpse of his creating process on his Twitter, so be sure to check it out!
Profile photo credit 2022, Shunji Kikuchi
SHUNJI KIKUCHI
Graduated from Musashino Art University. Based in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. He creates mainly white porcelain tableware and objects for daily use with a sense of humor.
Instagram: @kikuchishunji
Twitter: @kikuchishunji