Tomoyuki Hoshino, whose bubble gum pink and fluffy, tobi-gray chawans join Magic of the Tea Bowl (vol. III), now on view at Ippodo Gallery New York, answered four questions regarding his tea bowls. Let's dive into the studio and world of Tomoyuki Hoshino!
Tomoyuki Hoshino, Tobi Pink Tea Bowl - 茶盌 トビピンク, (C25915)
Tomoyuki Hoshino derives a universal message from clay by embracing an unusual pink pigment. Though skin color may appear to vary widely, every person is pink within. This empathetic message, paired with Hoshino’s sugar-like glaze, is a sweet and endearing sentiment.
Tomoyuki Hoshino's workspace.
Question 1:
Do you practice tea in daily life? Please share your chanoyu routine, or a beloved memory of chanoyu.
Hoshino:
I have been practicing every other week, mainly as a guest. I first started attending classes to gain knowledge for crafting teaware, but now the two hours of practice with Koicha and Usucha have become necessary to reset my mind from the recent hectic schedule.
The artist's set of carving tools.
Tomoyuki Hoshino, Sugar Glazed Tea Bowl - 糖衣碗, (C24273)
Q2:
Please describe the influences that inspire your work.
Hoshino:
In my earlier career, I often found inspiration in historical works, whereas now I see it in existing artists. I get a lot of inspiration, especially from exhibitions that show contemporary concepts, creative ideas, and a unique approach to interpreting history.
The artist's sculpting tools.
Work in progress, Tomoyuki Hoshino's studio.
Q3:
Please describe the qualities do you most treasure in a tea bowl—be that shape, color, texture, or history, style, and type of clay?
Hoshino:
My sado master told me to make sure my chawan is the best for tasting matcha. I keep my teacher's words as a reminder because I feel a special connection.
While putting my originality into the shape and glaze, I strive to create my unique teaware using pink, which I regard as a symbol of my inner self and character.
Tomoyuki Hoshino's kiln.
Q4:
Please share with us how you prepare to make a new piece; how do you decide on the materials and direction for the idea?
Hoshino:
I start by creating my original vivid pink clay mixture from four pigments and Shigaraki clay. This process takes more time than one might think. I use my weight and hand strength to mix them well until they come out the exact pink I envisioned.
Hold the sentimental beauty of Tomoyuki Hoshino's tea bowls in your hands now at Ippodo Gallery. An artwork that activates all five senses, you will be amazed by the striking textural dichotmoy of Hoshino's pink clay and sugar glaze.
