“Let's make some pots.” Yaku Murakami said this the first time we visited his workshop as he showed us all his work. The pots that Yaku makes contain both coolness and warmth at the same time, and are excellent works admired by everyone. “What a generous offer! Is it really OK?” For a brief moment this crossed my mind, and the next moment this feeling of unbearable joy spilled out as words. “Wow! Yes please!” From the bottom of the pot, to the main body, lid, strainer, handle and spout - he handles tools with flowing-like movements and after finishing one step, he quickly returns the tool used back to its set position. 
This is the way Yaku works, known for his efficient style, and truly beautiful work performance. Step by step, he carefully creates the item shape. The pieces that Yaku makes are “hand-formed” in that they have visible marks left on the surface from creation by hand. The other day, I asked him what he thinks of whilst he's working. He answered, “I think mainly about the shape. Hand-forming is all about original creation. When making the same piece, I think about the size whilst sometimes playing with the shape or coming up with interesting ideas.” Also he mischieviously added, ”my hand remembers the rokuro wheel, so I've made lots of identical looking pieces even while half asleep,” Yaku's creations have a relaxing, natural flowing appearance that draws in the viewer who, without thinking, will pick them up in their hand.
In April, TOKI no KUMO will be Yaku's 4th exhibition, and the first in two years.
村上躍 Murakami Yaku
- 1967
- Born in Tokyo
- 1992
- Graduated as a craft design major from Musashino Art University
- 1998
- Began ceramic production