How long have you been at Angels Gate?
I’ve been here since 1998. This is my one and only studio that I’ve had.
When was your first time working with clay?
It was in my senior year in high school. I was pretty good at it and enjoyed working with my hands. I’d kept taking classes in junior college and majored in ceramics at Cal State University Long Beach.
What do you enjoy most about working with clay?
Making different forms and the idea of creating something from a lump of clay because it certainly is amazing to see the final product, which looks completely different from the lump of clay that I start with. I also like the idea of pieces lasting for thousands of years in the ground. It really intrigues me that something of mine would be around for that many years.
Have you tried any other art forms?
When I was growing up, I liked drawing but there were so many kids who did better than I did. I figured that 2-D medium wasn’t really for me. I think I have a natural vision where I can create something 3-D without even looking at a model but just from my imagination.
What has influenced the style of your work?
I love to have landscape on my piece. Since I was born and raised in Japan, Japanese influence comes natural to me. Also, I’ve lived more than half of my life in the U.S. and wherever I go, whatever I see the images stick in my mind and the subtle influences show through the images and shapes of my work.
What kind of forms do you throw the most?
Bulb shapes or egg shapes are my favorites because I think those shapes contain the life inside. Not too narrow or wide. Something neutral. I go back and forth between feminine and masculine in terms of shape.
What is your favorite glaze?
I like warm tones- browns, yellows, and oranges.
Do your works tend to be functional or displayed?
Both. Pretty much everything except bowls, cups and teapots has images so they can be used in both ways. But if I create images on cups, I would have to raise the price. To be more practical, I don’t like to have decorations for small pieces.
How have you handled the business side of being an artist?
Now I got used to it but in the beginning, I struggled. Pricing my work was the most difficult task. To make a living, I had to charge more but at the same time, I wanted to be fair for the people who buy my work. It’s always hard to find the neutral point.
You haven’t done much shows recently. How can people access to your work?
I like to participate in art festivals. I set up my own booth and present my works in person. But it’s almost “forced†for me to become a sales person, which I’m not good at.
Even though you were not born as a businessman, you have to pay your bills, right?
Yes, of course. In order to do what I love to do, I have to bring in income in every possible ways. When I became a full time artist, I didn’t plan on being a teacher. But as I started to teach, I found my new passion. Now I really enjoy teaching.
Where do you teach?
At my studio and over at local cultural centers. I teach one to one or as a group.
Do you make only one of each kind in terms of the shape and the image?
Yes, I make them in series but they are hand done so I guess they are one of a kind.
Do you give a title to each piece you make?
For each series, I do but usually not to each piece. If there is something pops into my head, I do.
Do you document your works?
I SHOULD.
But each one has your own signature?
Yes.
I heard that you JUST got MARRIED!! How do you think it will influence your career?
Yes, my wife is a textile designer so I’m sure we can work together.
What is your goal?
I’ve always tried to create something that has no time preference. I want my work to show its own beauty regardless of time.
More images of Roy, his works and his studio can be viewed on our Flickr page or at his website.
