Moon Series by Toshiko Takaezu

Toshiko Takaezu was born in Pepekeo, Hawaii of Japanese parents. She studied art at the Honolulu School of Art at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan with Maija Grotell. Of her years working with Grotell she said "Hawaii was where I learned technique; Cranbrook wa where I found myself." Craft and nature are melded under Ms. Takaezu' deft touch.

As a teacher, Ms. Takaezu has influenced and taught hundreds of students over the years. From 1954 to 1964, she was the head of the ceramics department of the Cleveland Institute of Art, where she developed her educational philosophy. "It is important for students to find out who they are and what they want to do, rather than just to make something well," she said.

Toshiko has exhibited all over the world. A partial listing of her collections includes Syracuse University, Detroit Institute of Art, Newark Museum, Smithsonian Institution and the Museum of Contemporary Crafts.

The above piece is of her "Moon Series" of the 70's and 80's. This series focused on the round or ovoid female symbol, which occurs in many cultures. Some are textured with lines traces by her fingers as the clay revolved on the wheel. Others were glazed with broad, loose brushstrokes. The artist presented the sculpture to The Interchurch Center in 2007.