In Mashiko I was lucky to be able to visit Ken Matsuzaki’s workshop. I have met Ken previously at Kigbeare Gallery and Studios, and Maddy (owner of Kigbeare) kindly helped arrange for me to visit him at home in Japan.

Ken’s workspace is a series of buildings built around his home. It was a very inspiring space and we had tea in his showroom and looked at lots of pots that were about to go to an exhibition elsewhere in Japan.

More than anything, I love Ken Matsuzaki’s open minded approach to pottery. He uses three different types of firing - gas, electric and wood - and several clays. He also throws and hand builds - and mixes materials using lacquer lids and metal handles made by his brother. This approach is unusual - yet completely inspiring - and it was great to see all his different types of work laid out together as a cohesive whole.

We also looked at his anagama kilns (he has two) and in his workshop. The whole place was very beautiful and although I didn’t take many photos, I took a lot of information in. Visiting Ken’s studio was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my trip and I’m very grateful for the time he took to show me around.