Building the City of Clay for a New Exhibition

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo Ceramics

412 Backers

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Goal: $111,453

Funding

Short description

This campaign funds the creation of a new series of experimental sculptures, exploring the intersection of natural materials and geometric forms. The collection will be a tribute to the raw beauty of the earth, reinterpreted with a modern, emotive sensibility.

Introduction

Welcome to "Building the City of Clay," a deeply personal journey into the world of experimental sculpture. This project represents the culmination of a decade of work, a meditative exploration of how raw earth and found materials can be molded into forms that speak to the soul. I am an artist dedicated to the tactile beauty and emotional power of clay, a medium that holds the memory of the earth and the heat of the kiln. My goal with this new series is to push the boundaries of traditional pottery, creating sculptures that are not merely functional objects but are imbued with a sense of quiet mystery and profound feeling.

Each piece will be a unique expression of an emotion or a natural phenomenon, from the gentle curve of a wind-swept dune to the sharp, jagged lines of a breaking wave. I believe that in an increasingly digital world, there is a deep human need for connection with tangible, handcrafted objects. My work aims to satisfy that need, offering a moment of quiet contemplation in the midst of a chaotic world. I've been refining my techniques, experimenting with new glazes, and pushing the physical limits of the clay itself. The result is a collection of works that are both delicate and powerful, fragile and enduring. Each sculpture is a testament to the transformative power of art and a celebration of the simple beauty of the natural world.

In creating this body of work, I draw inspiration from both ancient traditions and contemporary experimentation. Clay has been a medium for human expression for thousands of years, carrying within it the stories of civilizations long past. By blending time-honored practices with innovative approaches, I aim to create pieces that are not bound to one era but instead exist in a timeless dialogue between history and the present. This balance of reverence and reinvention gives the collection its unique voice.

Another essential element of "Building the City of Clay" is the exploration of space and scale. Some sculptures are intimate and delicate, designed to rest in the palm of a hand, while others rise in bold, architectural forms that demand physical engagement. Together, they create a rhythm—a city of shapes and textures where each piece informs the others, building a landscape that mirrors the complexity of human emotion and the natural environment. This interplay between small and monumental forms invites viewers to experience the collection in both personal and collective ways.

Ultimately, this project is about connection: connection to material, to tradition, to emotion, and to each other. Clay carries the marks of every hand that touches it, and in this way, it becomes a bridge between artist and audience. My hope is that these sculptures will not only be admired as objects but will also serve as companions in reflection, sparking moments of quiet wonder. In a fast-moving world, "Building the City of Clay" stands as an invitation to slow down, to touch, to see, and to feel the enduring beauty that lies within the earth itself.

Why support us?

Your support is the key to unlocking the full potential of this collection. Your contributions will directly fund the acquisition of specialized materials and the construction of a new, larger kiln, allowing me to create pieces on a scale I’ve only dreamed of. Your support will also help me secure a studio space where I can work without interruption and focus on perfecting each piece. This is more than just a project; it's a testament to the enduring power of art and a shared belief in the value of creation.

How Your Support Helps

Your support helps me bring my artistic vision to life. It will cover the costs of high-quality clay and custom glazes, as well as the electricity needed to fire the kiln multiple times. It will also enable me to dedicate my full time and energy to this project, ensuring that each sculpture receives the attention and care it deserves. Every dollar you contribute brings me closer to making this dream a reality and sharing my art with the world. Your support is an investment in creativity.

Join the Movement

By backing "Building the City of Clay," you're not just supporting an artist—you're becoming part of a community that values authenticity, craftsmanship, and emotional expression. You are joining a movement that believes in the power of art to connect us all, to tell stories without words, and to find beauty in the simplest things. We invite you to join us on this artistic journey, to share in the process, and to be a part of something truly special.

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