”As these are items that you will use, they should be tough.” These words have a direct yet very gracious sentiment. Although they were perhaps said off-hand, their impression strongly remains. The first time we met was seven years ago. I recall that he exuberated the youthfulness of a college student and when we learned his actual age we were all very surprised. Currently, Naoto Okada is an active ceramic artist in Komatsu City in Ishikawa Prefecture. His career includes 10 years spent at the potters wheel of Kutani Seiyo, a place where traditional Kutani ware is given a modern twist. When I asked him about the neat delicateness of his Kutani style, he laughed in reply “on the contrary, I am jealous of those who can create items that have a gentle, calm appearance.”
”I thought that it would be nice to make items that look normal in appearance yet are sturdy and can be used for many years. I wanted to make many things, but in the end decided that creating items that were easy to use was the best angle to approach.” And just as he says, Mr. Okada's white porcelain is both simple and durable. As we conversed over a wide range of topics, from running to eating habits, his stoic personality was also revealed and this is reflected in his workin his pursuit of crafting items that are easy to use. We are quite sure that the words “compromise” or “adequate” are in his dictionary. Having said that, Mr. Okada and his creations do not neurotic or harsh in any way. As proof of this, food placed in one of his bowls is brought to life. They especially go well with Western food, and in fact Mr Okada's crafted items are actually used in some restaurants in Paris. His items are available in a wide range sizes to freely choose from. Also, as these plates, bowls, etc., can be stacked, they can be stored without taking up too much space. These items that he presents before consumers are exactly what you would call “for life”.
Naoto Okada
- 1971
- Born in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture
- 1992
- Graduated from Kyoto Saga Art College in Visual Design II.
- 1993
- Graduate from Aichi Prefectural Advanced Ceramics Training School
- 1993
- Joined Kutani Seiyo in Ishikawa Prefecture
- 2004
- Became independent in Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture.
He is currently constructing a proposal regarding items that suit modern eating habits.