Kazuya Ishida is a Japanese ceramic artist based in Bizen, one of Japan’s six ancient kiln sites, known for its traditional unglazed stoneware. Born into a family of potters, he trained at the Bizen Ceramics Center and Kyoto Prefectural Ceramics Technical Institute before completing an apprenticeship under Jun Isezaki.

Following several years in the UK, where he expanded his approach to ceramic practice, Ishida established his independent studio in Bizen in 2013. His work is distinguished by dynamic, spiraling surface marks—an expressive language rooted in rhythm and movement, influenced by his early interest in breakdancing.

Working with natural clay and ash glazes in dialogue with Bizen tradition, Ishida develops contemporary forms that evoke elemental landscapes—eroded rock, shifting tides, and geological textures. Bridging heritage and experimentation, his practice reflects a deeply physical engagement with material, where process, fire, and movement shape each piece into a singular, tactile expression.

1. Where were you born and where are you from ?

I was born and raised in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, Japan.

2. What is your first memory connected to the art world ?

Since my father is a ceramic artist and Bizen City is one of Japan’s oldest pottery hubs, I grew up naturally surrounded by traditional crafts. At the time, ceramics were so close to my daily life that I didn’t feel particularly inspired by them. However, when I was 20 and attending a ceramics vocational school, I encountered an exhibition by the contemporary ceramic artist Takahiro Kondo. That was the moment I realized the profound appeal of merging art with ceramics.

3. Have you always worked in the art/design field ?

For the first ten years of my career, I primarily focused on traditional craftwork. After moving to the UK, I was exposed to the world of conceptual design, which gradually shifted my practice toward a more individual and expressive style. Currently, I navigate both the art and craft worlds—sometimes working in parallel and sometimes switching my mindset between the two.

4. What led you to the design creation ?

My work is diverse, so it’s difficult to generalize. However, with Japanese traditional craftsmanship as my foundation, I always strive to integrate the essence of materials, high-level techniques, and my personal touch into my designs.

5. How would you describe your creative process and it influences ?

My process starts by identifying the setting for the work and the client’s vision. I value the idea of creating something relevant to this specific moment, which leads me to the right choice of materials and methods. In terms of influence, I’ve always loved natural shapes and scenery, but recently, the ‘realizations’ I gain through hands-on experimentation, and the physical act of creating have become my biggest source of inspiration.

6. Could you describe a typical day of your work ?

Since I operate as a private studio, I handle a wide range of tasks, so my schedule changes almost every week. For example, my work involves everything from excavating and preparing raw clay to the actual creation and firing of pieces. At the same time, I manage office tasks like responding to inquiries and emails, as well as packing and shipping works for exhibitions or clients. Amidst all this, I am constantly conceptualizing new pieces and upcoming projects.

7. Why did you choose the specific materials you work with ?

I want to honor my roots and identity as someone from a historic center of traditional crafts. Based on that foundation, my desire is to create works that only I can produce by using materials that connect my heritage to my own creative vision.

8. What are the technical particularities of your creations ?

My work is defined by two distinct styles:

1. Raho (Spiral throwing technique): This involves using highly plastic Bizen clay on an electric potter’s wheel. I use centrifugal force to create unique twisted patterns and textures.
2. Bizen Wild Porcelain: I personally excavate natural porcelain clay from deep underground in the Bizen area to create these works. Both styles are deeply rooted in the land of Bizen, yet they utilize my own original techniques and materials.

9. What advices could you give to beginning artists who would like to create sculptural design works ?

Identify what you truly love and what your strengths are. It is also essential to have a clear understanding of how the times are changing and where the market for your work exists.

10. If your works had to belong to a design movement, in which one would you define it ?

I would place my work in the category of “Traditional Craft evolving into Modern Interior Design,” or perhaps “Contemporary Art rooted in the consciousness of Traditional Craft.” I aim to challenge the boundaries between these fields.

11. What designers and artists have influenced you ?

• Hans Coper (British studio potter)
• Jun Nishida (Japanese ceramic artist)

12. What contemporary designers do you appreciate ?

None in particular.

13. What contemporary artists (in any kind of art) have you been inspired by ?

• Hans Coper (British studio potter)
• Jun Nishida (Japanese ceramic artist)

14. If you had to summarize your creations in one word or sentence, what would it be ?

“Ripple” — because I want my work to represent the outward spread of new values and perspectives.

PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE
(The Proust Questionnaire is a set of questions answered by the French writer Marcel Proust.
Other historical figures who have answered confession albums are Oscar Wilde,
Karl Marx, Arthur Conan Doyle, Stéphane Mallarmé, Paul Cézanne…)

11. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“Maybe…”

12. Which talent would you most like to have?

A profound aesthetic eye (Sense of discernment).

13. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

To further increase my intellectual curiosity.

14. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

The experience of living alone and dedicating myself to club activities during high school.

15. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

A chameleon.

16. Where would you most like to live?

Currently, Bizen. In the future, a dual-base life between Bizen and Europe.

17. What is your most treasured possession?

My clothes.

18. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Being betrayed by those close to me.

19. What is your favorite occupation?

An entertainer (e.g., in a circus).

20. What is your most marked characteristic?

Kindness and originality.

21. What do you most value in your friends?

Possessing qualities I do not have myself.

22. Who are your favorite writers?

Makoto Shinkai.

23. Who is your hero of fiction?

Yoda.

24. Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Miyamoto Musashi.

25. Who are your heroes in real life?

The ancestral potters who have sustained Bizen ware for 1,000 years.

26. What are your favorite names?

Abyss.

27. What is it that you most dislike?

Clusters (Trypophobia).

28. What is your greatest regret?

I recently cut my finger with a kitchen knife.

29. How would you like to die?

Peacefully, after expressing gratitude to my loved ones and without causing trouble.

30. What is your motto?

“One drop, endless ripples.”