Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds Within ✨

A chat with Kate Wiener

Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds Within

I once tried my hand in the world of pottery, and even though I was guided by my experienced husband, let me tell you something: if you're feeling a bit too confident and in need of a reality check, look no further. It's a swift humbling exercise, served on a pottery wheel. First, your resiliency is tested with each twist of the wheel. Then, waiting for the clay to dry tests your patience and resolve, and applying glaze is a challenging lesson in trust, especially for a recovering control freak like me: you don't know if you've won or lost until it's too late. According to my husband, therein lies the thrill – the anticipation of unveiling its hidden beauty, while accepting that it will never be exactly what you imagined (what??). And the kiln… another test of faith and precision, where one wrong setting can turn hours of work into ash. Yet, it's also the place where clay transforms into art, a testament to the resilience and creativity of those who dare try.