Shigaraki Artist Statement
My experiences in Shigaraki have been rich and rewarding. I am so thankful for the people of the Shigaraki Ceramic Institute and Cultural Park. I am fortunate to have met some of the most talented studio and visiting artists, who have helped to inspire my creativity and to expand my perspective and approach to my work. The studio instructors' constant dedication and knowledgeable advice has proved to be priceless. I am forever grateful to be surrounded by such talented people.

I have always enjoyed creating utilitarian ceramic work. Being inspired here at Shigaraki has led me to explore sculptural techniques as a means to express myself. Ironically it took the trip to Japan to be led from function into sculpture by the California funk artists from America. Tony Natsoulas, Peter VandenBerge, and Camille VandenBerge took me under their wing and gave me a crash course in sculpture. Their encouragement and tutelage sparked the body of work called Ceramic Peace.

This body of work is both for the public and yet very personal, in that it deals with the human spirit as it aspires for peace. Self Realization, Personal Accountability, Vision, Fellowship, Faith, Service, Respect, Wisdom, Home, Rest, Growth, Unity, Grace, Freedom, and Love are themes that connect one piece to the next in an attempt to understand the character of Peace.

I also attempt to explore the restructuring of the cosmos as we are enlightened, transformed, assured, regenerated and given gifts of life towards a real and true peace among humanity. God's work in my life has touched my heart, my character and my conduct in this personal journey though this work. I hope that this work also touches your spirit and creates a conversation and a space for Peace.

I am very thankful for the opportunity to experience this outstanding residency program, and I know that its effects on me and my creative work will be deep and lasting.

Thank you,

Amy Gelber

Ceramic Peace
Rebirth
Wake Up, O Sleeper
Transfiguration
Three Cords
Fisher
Adoption
Bearing Fruit
Regeneration
Ascension

Ceramic Peace

Created at the Shigaraki Ceramic Institute

Rebirth
height 58 cm
2006

Glaze Detail


Wake Up O Sleeper
height 142 cm
2006

Transfiguration
height 67 cm
2006

Three Cords
height 90 cm
2006

Fisher
height 38cm
2006

Adoption
height 40 cm
2006

Bearing Fruit
height 58cm
2006

Regeneration
height 80 cm
2006

Ascension
height 68cm
2006


Glaze detail

My town, Nakano-ku, Tokyo also wants Peace:

PROCLAMATION IN SUPPORT OF THE CONSTITUTION OF JAPAN AND OUR NUCLEAR-FREE CITY
Last Update　March 26, 2005-->
In 1982, in response to residents' calls for peace, Nakano City made a "Proclamation in Support of the Constitution of Japan and Our Nuclear-free City Declaration".Then, in 1990, enacted the "Ordinance on Basic Stance for Peace Administration in Nakano City," which calls for the realization of the elimination of all nuclear weapons and everlasting peace, joining with residents in promoting this through the grass roots level.
PROCLAMATION IN SUPPORT OF THE CONSTITUTION OF JAPAN AND OUR NUCLEAR-FREE CITY
Smiles of children fill every corner of our town, Songs of youth enliven every square. Here develop the lives of our own. Beyond the oceans and seas We perceive the lives of the same humankind.
The nuclear weapons all around the globe, today, Threaten to take from us the act of living and this happiness away.
Our Constitution is there to secure our daily lives, to protect liberty, Pledging lasting peace.
Valuing this Constitution,We join hands with people all around the world, And appeal to all nations possessing nuclear threats To dismantle their arms.
We announce this voice of our citizens, As The Proclamation of Nakano in Support of the Constitution of Japan and Our Nuclear-free City.

August 15, l982

Zen Garden in Kyoto

Eli and Amy in Kyoto during the Gion Matsuri.

Tanuki

Amy, Nancy & Michael

Nancy and Amy firing Anagama

Fellow Studio Artists: Tomoko, Yoshi, Cha, Amy, and Toshi preparing for the fire festival BBQ.

List of Galleries Exhibiting and Selling my Work

Blue Moon Gallery, Seagrove NC
Carolina Creations, New Bern
Grovewood Gallery, Asheville NC
Midland Crafters, Southern Pines NC
NC Crafts Gallery, Carrboro NC
Seven Sisters Fine Arts and Crafts Gallery, Black Mountian
Southern Pottery, Columbia SC
Winterfire Gallery, Greensboro and Winston Salem NC

Amy Gelber

Here are some images of my functional work that I made in America before living in Japan. Sushi Tray, Large Wave Bowl, Soup Terrine and ladle, Teapot, Large Oval Boat. Handmade high fire ^10 Reduction Stoneware. Food Safe and lead free. Please see my list of Galleries in America to check for the availability of my functional work.

Ayano and Amy at the Shigaraki Fire Festival . We climbed up and down a moutain with our torches and at the top was a shrine. The entire town participated (since all potters were invited to carry a torch) and even the kids dressed as Tanuki and carried lanterns. At the end of the parade we threw our tourch into a huge bon fire and they gave everyone the ceramic 2006 medalions. They lit the entire town up with white lights and as you climbed the moutain the view from the top was incredible.

Eli and Amy on Pa'ia Bay, Hawaii.

Rainbow over Paia Bay