Eiko Maeda

It was my innate love of art that brought me to the Joshibi University of Art and Design in Tokyo where I specialized in Japanese lacquer (Urushi). I began to appreciate the deep connection among art, culture and Japanese history, while developing a particular interest in the tradition of Japanese ceramics. It was years later that I chose to fully pursue this passion.
As I began exploring various techniques in ceramics, I learned a traditional technique called nerikomi under the supervision of Eiji Murofushi, a pioneer in the field in Japan. Nerikomi is a technique in which various patterns are made by using colored clay. Patterns are made one by one, and pieced together to form a patterned sheet. The sheet is then placed over molds to create the pieces. I use translucent porcelain clay to highlight the texture.
Today, I work in my own studio in Woodbridge. I devote my life to my work, through which I strive to express the elegance, beauty, delicacy and modesty of Japanese culture.