Watanabe, who has been making pottery for over 20 years, is not limited to digging soil, burning firewood, and making pottery in recent years. His recent works include art pieces that depict the shape of the earth itself, using familiar materials such as flowers, ash, and pine resin. At first glance, these seem to be different jobs, but it is interesting to hear that the starting point is still the soil. “Plants are temporary, momentary events that grow from the soil. However, they come in many different colors and have different fibers and characteristics. It's exactly the same as the 'pottery' I've been doing for a long time," he says.
The production method of his "Utsuwa" is very primitive, but it also gives us a sense of novelty. A dent made by pushing a natural stone into the sand is used as the shape of the vessel. Mud was gently poured over it and baked. It can be said that it is simply a copy of the shape of stone, and it is not a concrete image. Takayuki Watanabe says , “I wish I could give form to the concept of a natural container, which is the movement of scooping both hands together.” Originally made on the sandy beach of the sea, the bowl has the presence of an unadorned, leafy dish, and is a comfortable place to enjoy lightly boiled vegetables and grilled ingredients. It's really easy, and it's a vessel for the day of the day that snuggles up to everyday life.
Pottery started from earthenware. Various uses and techniques were born in the long history, and the present age has a wide variety of beauty. Encounter with pottery, worked under the potter Taizo Kuroda, traveled around Asia, and saw pottery and its lifestyle culture. It's just a reflection of his personality and lifestyle.