Embellishments of tiny pedals and garnishes throughout are what make Hitomi Hosono’s ceramics so unique. The Japanese-born, London-based ceramist Hosono uses traditional techniques, but manages for her output to appear modern. While attending London’s Royal College of Art, she learned a technique called called sprigging. Here, tiny ceramic reliefs are applied to clay surfaces, and this is what makes her forms so exceptionally delicate. These additions are what make the works so very amazing!
Hosono doesn’t photograph the forms she wants to mimic; instead, her amazing memory captures the image after close examination. She says that “the memory awakens when I begin to work”. Sometimes, Hosono spends three months developing a new design and mold. The process is indeed painstaking, but the results, masterful.
Take note, Hosono’s star is certainly rising! Last year, Adrian Sassoon unveiled an collaboration between Hosono and Colefax & Fowler in London, resulting in a fantastic selling exhibition of 30 ceramic works. The intricately carved pieces were all inspired by the interiors and fabrics of Colefax & Fowler. Kudos to the “Brook Street: An Artist’s Eye”, it was certainly magical!
Hitomi Hisono, Large feather leaves bowl, 2013. Made from porcelain, 18″ X 19″
The artist says, “I find myself drawn to the intricacy of plants, examining the veins of a leaf, how its edges are shaped, the layering of a flower’s pedals. I look, I touch, I draw.”
Image courtesy of: Hitomi Hosono
Hitomi Hosono, Black wisteria tower, 2012. Made from porcelain with a black stain. 17″ X 7.5″
Initially Hosono only explored a black-and-white palette but recently. she started adding shades of soft colors such as yellow and pink.
Image courtesy of: Hitomi Hosono
Hitomi Hosono, A Large Orange Coral Bowl, 2014, porcelain
Images courtesy of CFile
Hitomi Hosono, White Wisteria Box
Image courtesy of CFile
Hitomi Hosono hard at work. She says that even though it might take upward of 3 months to complete a piece, time is not an issue. “I would be happy doing this for the rest of my life”.
Image courtesy of: Architectural Digest