Nagae Shigekazu

Born 1953, Seto, Aichi, Japan

There is a remarkable balance between artistry and technical brilliance within the work of Nagae Shigekazu. Following the traditions of his native Seto, Nagae’s artistic process begins with two ikomi molds cast using liquid porcelain. Following drying and bisque-firing, the two eggshell-thin form are suspended inside one another within the kiln. The intense heat of the final firing causes the form to fuse where they were glazed and to further distend, bend and drape around each other. The resulting natural movement leads to elegant shapes and lyrical curves, one form mirroring the other.