Bisui Ishikawa
Summer has finally ended, and we are pleased to present Bisui Ishikawa's pottery, perfect for the arrival of autumn.
Each piece of Bisui Ishikawa's pottery is unique. Like a fleeting moment of brilliance encountered in the ever-changing nature, her work evokes beautiful stories. This is our first time stocking her pieces, so we asked her about her thoughts and dedication to her craft.
About
Bisui Ishikawa is based in Tokorozawa, Saitama, and creates pottery surrounded by rich nature. Previously working as an office worker in Tokyo, she questioned the consumer-driven lifestyle and chose to study pottery in Mashiko. Her work reflects the beauty of nature she has been familiar with since childhood, drawing inspiration from elements like leaves, stones, river flows, and the silhouettes of rounded pebbles and seeds. She also names her glazes after nature-related words, finding delicate beauty in their irregularities and instability. The soft curves of her carefully crafted pieces provide a gentle, comfortable touch.
Q: Does your daily life influence your work?
After graduating from university, I lived and worked in Tokyo, but I felt limited by the consumer-driven lifestyle and decided to move to Mashiko to study pottery. After graduating from the pottery school, I returned to my hometown and now create pottery in Tokorozawa, Saitama. The area around my home is rich in nature; I can take a walk in the forest nearby and frequently visit the mountains and rivers in Hanno and Chichibu. Having been exposed to nature since childhood, I feel that this experience is reflected in my work. For example, the shapes of leaves, flowing branches, roots emerging from the ground, the flow of river water, the silhouettes of rounded stones, and the mysterious shapes of seeds and nuts—all these things I have found beautiful are accumulated within me and projected into the pieces I create.
Q: What do you focus on during the shaping process?
For the small bowl series, I add movement to each piece after throwing it on the wheel, aiming for a soft curve that fits comfortably in both hands. People often comment on how light and thin my pieces are, which may result from my pursuit of how well they fit the hand.
Oval plates are made using slab construction (pressing clay into a mold). To avoid monotony, I cut the edges of each plate individually. There is no specific mold for the edge shape; it is always done freehand. I feel this oval plate reflects the mood and waves in my heart at that moment, and I have named it “Fu-ro” (Wind Waves).
Q: Can you tell us about your dedication to your pottery?
“Do not fear that no two pieces will be the same”
Whether using a wheel or a mold, I focus on not aiming to make everything exactly the same. I was taught that achieving uniformity in shape was a skill, and I initially created with that mindset. However, pieces created with the intention of being exactly the same often felt rigid and lacking in vitality. Since humans, not machines, make these pieces, I remind myself that, like the different shapes of wasp nests, each piece is uniquely beautiful. I strive not to fear differences.
“Creating with joy and comfort”
Instead of controlling the shape with a predetermined idea, I cherish the feeling of naturally forming the shape as I work. I create the basic shape of the piece to a certain size and form (whether using the wheel, mold, or hand-building), then individually refine each piece by adding movement, carving, and polishing. I try not to overthink it, aiming to reach a form that feels comfortable and beautiful. If I feel I have overthought or overworked a piece, I break it down and rework it until I am satisfied.
Q: Lastly, what is the theme of your pottery?
The theme of my pottery is “Consciousness and Unconsciousness.” It is said that the unconscious is deeply related to the instincts embedded throughout human history. In other words, the unconscious can be seen as the natural part remaining within people. Since humans are originally naturally occurring beings, I aim to create pieces that appeal to the human unconscious and provide healing, guided by the natural sense within myself.
Reflecting a pure approach to nature and objects, her work embodies a respect for the material's inherent power without over-controlling it. Bisui Ishikawa’s pottery incorporates her deep sensitivity to nature and the beauty inspired by daily life. Each piece, with its unique expression, exudes a distinct presence and has the power to resonate with our unconscious. Every use brings a comforting touch and subtly soothes the soul.
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