Gotanbayashi Kama

About

Instagram Gotanbayashi Kama 「五反林窯」is the name of the kiln and studio of Michael Martino in the district of Taku, Saga Prefecture, Japan. Originally from New Mexico, USA, Mike has been training with veteran potters in the Karatsu tradition of this region since 2002. Introduction I am a native of New Mexico, but have lived in Japan since 1990. Although I developed an interest in pottery as a child from visiting ancient ruins and surrounding pueblos, I didn't start making pots until 2002 when I met veteran Karatsu potter Tsuruta Yoshihisa who mentored me in the Karatsu tradition. After an initial period of renting and borrowing kilns, I built Gotanbayashi studio in 2005 and installed a gas kiln. In 2008, I began showing work to the public, participating in shows, and conducting workshops. 2010 saw the construction of the Gotanbayashi anagama/noborigama hybrid wood kiln next to the existing studio, and this is the kiln in which most of the work is fired today. Much of the work is teaware for the Japanese tea ceremony, but I also make Japanese and western style tableware, ware for drinking sake, sculptural work, and collaborative pieces with artists from other mediums. Location : 2048-1 Takumachi, Taku-shi, Saga Prefecture, Japan. Click for Google Map Established : 2005 Message from the Artist It is an interesting thing to be a foreign potter in Japan. I've met customers that were surprised and pleased that my pots looked Japanese. I've also met customers who were disappointed that my pots looked Japanese. I've even met customers who were surprised I could make pots at all. To all of my customers who inquire about my creative intentions I say this: I am not trying to make Japanese or American pots, just pots that I think are beautiful and functional. I want to make MY pots. Because much of my work is in the style of Karatsu, there is naturally a Japanese flavor to my work. One of my major goals is to successfully incorporate both ancient and modern American influences in