No.2 KAE / Ceramic artist Be mindful of your mood at the time.
PROFILE
Born in Tokai City, Aichi Prefecture. After graduating from a technical college, he worked as a designer's assistant for "adidas Originals," a freelance graphic designer, and a PR and designer for "BOOK AND BED TOKYO" before taking a job as an assistant at "10 sagger (TENBOX)". . He has now returned to his hometown in Aichi Prefecture and started his career as a ceramic artist. . His hobbies include collecting vintage T-shirts, bandanas, and records, cooking, and reading books on Buddhism.
Instagram: @kae__nakamura
I heard that you are now a potter in your hometown in Aichi Prefecture. Could you tell us how it all started?
My mother was particular about the plates she used to serve food at home, and because of that, I had always liked them. However, my parents did not have a pottery business, and when I returned from Tokyo and learned that I was living near Tokoname City, which is famous for Tokoname ware, I decided to give it a try. For a while, I went to study with my grandfather, who was a potter.
I understand that you used to work at "10 Sagan" and traveled around the world from your base in Tokyo, but has there been any change in how you feel now that you are living in a different environment?
Tokyo is a place where it is easy to seize opportunities if you have a dream, there are lots of places to play, and you can stay young forever in a good way. But personally, after living in Tokyo for 9 years, I felt that there was nothing to do in Tokyo, so I quit my previous job and came back to my hometown. What I noticed after returning to my hometown was the warmth of the people there. There was a community of people who cooperated with each other unconditionally and without charge, and that was essential for me.
KAE: You brought some of your pottery today, but the patterns are different from what I imagine when I hear the word "Tokoname-yaki. They are more graphic and edgy.
During my time in "10 SAGBOX," I was allowed to visit many countries, and especially when I went to the U.S., I met many artists who drew scary pictures in a pop style, which became the source of my inspiration. I also refer to patterns drawn on vintage clothes and vintage clothing. Incidentally, an old man I was studying with once jokingly asked me if I was going to serve him poisoned food (laughs).
A personal vintage T-shirt and bandana. Regardless of color or age, she chooses what she is attracted to by the design based on her intuition. Photo taken by the artist
A personal recorder and various records. KAE says, "My father used to play them in the car when I was a kid, and as I traveled to different countries and learned more about music, I came to appreciate how cool they were and started collecting them. *Photographed by KAE herself
Do you wear mostly vintage clothing?
I have recently started buying new ones, but at one time I collected a lot of vintage T-shirts. The number I have now is about 30. . I bought them not only overseas, but also on auction sites such as Yahoo! I prioritize design over motifs, and although it wasn't conscious, I naturally ended up with a lot of T-shirts of musicians. T-shirts like the Beatles parody T-shirts and Elvis Presley T-shirts.
What else do you collect?
I also collected bandanas when I heard that it was the first step to learning about vintage . I try to buy them when I find them, and I found myself collecting a lot of them. I use them as etiquette, but I also choose the ones that match my fashion. . I use bandanas to add a bit of color, or to pick up a color that is out of place. I also twist them around my neck.
On this day, KAE came all the way from Aichi Prefecture to Tokyo for the photo shoot. We went to a park in Ikejiri-Ohashi, where she used to go for walks when she lived in Tokyo.
I think you have met people of various races and occupations in Japan and abroad.
I like people who can greet everyone in a loud voice! I like people who can greet neighbors, convenience store clerks , and anyone else without hesitation.
So that's where you will get to in the end! Deep . . Now, finally, tell us what you would like to become as a potter in the future.
What we want to create is a practical vessel that can be used freely for any purpose. A teacup can be used as a palo santo or a sunglasses case. I want to make items that enhance people's lives.
Also, I don't want to become a famous potter or anything like that, I just want to be in the mood I am in at the time. When I say "ceramic artist," there is a lot of pressure to master the art of ceramics, but I am still doing graphic work, and I hope to continue doing what I enjoy.
