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). During that time I began to appreciate the deep connection among art, culture and Japanese history, while developing a particular interest in the deeply rooted tradition of Japanese ceramics. It was years later, after moving to Montreal, that I chose to fully pursue this passion by taking up the study of ceramics at the Visual Arts Centre, where I learned to translate my existing skills into a new medium.

 

Today, I work in my own house studio in Woodbridge, ON (north of Toronto). I devote my life to my work, through which I strive to express the elegance, feminine beauty, delicacy and modesty of Japanese culture. 

 

I have been exploring a new style of ceramics technique, called nerikomi. I have been trained under Eiji Murofushi, one of the pioneers in the field of nerikomi ceramics. I fell in love with  nerikomi and its unlimited possibilities of expression. Currently in my own studio in Ontario, Canada, I devote my life to my work through which I strive to express the elegance, beauty, delicacy, and modesty of Japanese culture.

 

 

Check out my interview by CBC Arts here.

Read about my work on Ceramic Monthly here.

Watch how nerikomi pieces are created here.

 

 

EDUCATION

BA (Fine Arts) Joshibi University of Art and Design, Tokyo, Japan

Visual Arts Center, Montreal, Canada

 

AWARDS

Helen Copeland Memorial Award, Craft Ontario, 2021

Ceramics Excellence Award, Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, 2020

Honorable Mention Ceramics, Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, 2018

Carolyn McIntire Smyth Special Award, Cabbagetown Art and Crafts Sale, 2016

Ontario Arts Council Access and Career Development Grant for training, workshop and mentorship in nerikomi ceramics, 2014

Ontario Arts Council Access and Career Development Grant for portfolio development (website, video, professional photos), 2012