THE STORY
Master of Light and Shadow
In the heart of Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, where the art of pottery flows through the veins of the community, lies the studio of a master artisan, whose story is as intricately woven as the clay he shapes. We had the privilege of sitting down with Hiroshi Taruta, whose name is not widely known but whose creations speak volumes about his talent and dedication.
Born in the vibrant city of Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture in 1987, his journey began as a student at the Aichi Prefectural Seto Ceramic High School. Under the tutelage of the esteemed Masanori Hatano, he honed his skills in pottery, a craft that would become his lifelong passion. Today, he continues his work in Seto, breathing life into clay with every delicate touch of his hands. When asked about his journey as an artisan, he humbly shared, "I didn't specifically aspire to pursue this craft, but my inclination towards creating tableware and vessels rather than sculptures largely stems from my experiences during my days as a student."
Drawing inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of Seto and the Tokai region, he masterfully combines traditional techniques with innovative approaches. His use of the Rokuro (potter’s wheel) and the Hotarude technique showcases his dedication to preserving age-old methods while infusing his creations with a contemporary flair.
Reflecting on his mastery of these techniques, Taruta explained, "The idea originated from my mentor's guidance, but the refinement to its current form came from repeatedly imagining it within myself and learning from failures."
Given that Seto and the Tokai region are renowned for its pottery, surviving in this industry necessitates innovation and exploring unconventional techniques, a principle that guided me to my current approach.
Seto's rich ceramic heritage serves as a constant source of inspiration for Taruta. "Learning and practicing ceramics in Seto has had a significant impact on my work," he shared. "Being in Seto, where various ceramics are produced, enables me to create unique pieces."
For him, the creative process is a journey of exploration and discovery. From researching online to sketching rough drafts, each step is imbued with passion and purpose. He finds inspiration in the works of Lucio Fontana and Sueharu Fukami, whose spatial concepts and artistic expressions resonate deeply with him.
Despite the challenges, the journey of an artisan is filled with moments of profound reward. "The most rewarding moment has been when my creations, born from my own thoughts, are appreciated and sold," he reflected with a smile.
