Akiko Hirai

Surprising textures and glazes

• Akiko combines Japanese techniques with contemporary design
• Her work is displayed in museums worldwide
• In 2019, she was shortlisted for the Loewe Craft Prize

After graduating in Cognitive Psychology at the Aichi Gakuin University, Akiko Hirai worked in advertising but very quickly discovered it was not for her. Looking for a change in her life, at the beginning of the millennium, Akiko left Japan for London. This is where she enrolled in a pottery course and how her new path as a ceramic artist began. Today, she is one of the UK's leading creative potters. Combining traditional Japanese methods and contemporary design, she uses a variety of different building techniques. "I begin with rough dark clay, and add multiple layers of glazes and slips in lighter tones," explains Akiko. The result are pieces that are deeply textured and visually complex.

Interview

Dan Fontanelli©Akiko Hirai Ceramics Atelier Ltd.

Gabor Kiss©Michelangelo Foundation

Is the past important to you?

I love antique ceramics and especially the pieces that were made when modern technology was not available, because it carries the weight and the history of human touch and perception. The wide range of knowledge about ceramic materials and the actual use of it, is without any doubt, my strength.

What surprises you most about your craft?

The physicality. One thing that people normally do not associate with ceramics is how fit you need to be in order to work well. I work seven days a week, for a minimum of 10 hours a day, and I have to handle at least three tonnes of clay by myself. It is a proper, serious workout.

What is your source of energy?

At one of my first craft fairs, someone asked me if they could buy one of my 'beautiful objects'. Nothing was more encouraging than those words. It is very hard to make a living from your craft, especially at the beginning of your career, and those words still give me the energy to carry on with my work.

What advice would you give a budding ceramicist?

Always work with a beginner’s mindset. For more than 10 years I have been a teacher at the Kensington and Chelsea College, and the best tip I can give to my students is not to be misled by trends. Because trends come and go.

Akiko Hirai is an expert artisan she began her career in 2003

Works

Toshiko Hirai©Akiko Hirai Ceramics Atelier Ltd.

Toshiko Hirai©Akiko Hirai Ceramics Atelier Ltd.

Toshiko Hirai©Akiko Hirai Ceramics Atelier Ltd.

Toshiko Hirai©Akiko Hirai Ceramics Atelier Ltd.

Toshiko Hirai©Akiko Hirai Ceramics Atelier Ltd.

Where