Tomonari Hashimoto creates Ceramic and Metal-like Art

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Tomonari Hashimoto creates Ceramic and Metal-like Art ⇒ Tomonari Hashimoto is not just another ceramist or artist, he is one of the finalists of Loewe Craft Prize 2019, and the mind behind colossal art pieces that are over two meters high, and with an appearance like not many: metal-like. As per usual, here at CovetED, we bring you the best in the design and art world, so make sure to keep on reading!

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Tomonari Hashimoto creates Ceramic and Metal-like

If you are wondering how exactly do these art pieces come to life, the answer isn’t that simple. Tomonari Hashimoto uses a method in which he accumulates a certain type of strings of clay called ‘hand-forming’. The clay is baked 3 times, when unglazed, then at 1000-1100℃ after being glazed, and then at 500℃ in carbonization fire. The melted glaze, during the two firing processes, displays several expressions in color and texture and that’s how the magic is done.

Exhibition of Tomonari Hashimoto’s Art Pieces. Photo: ©Tomonari Hashimoto

The entire process is quite meticulous – in the firing process, the glaze (which includes a lot of metallic oxide) goes through several colour changes by the oxidation/reduction effect of fire. During the firing, he uses an electric or gas ceramic art kiln process at 1000-1100℃. Finally, for the carbonization fire process, he accumulates bricks around his artwork, makes a kiln outdoors, and fires with a gas burner. He then stops the gas at 500℃, opens the lid, and pour in chaffs. When the oxidation/reduction inside of the kiln is mixed together, the color or the glaze changes by the fire and smoke.

“Planet 2”. Made of kaoline and glaze. Unique artwork. Photo: ©The Artling

“Amassing Time”. Made of kaoline and glaze. Unique work. Photo: ©The Artling

Tomonari Hashimoto also uses more ancient practices such as sculpting and baking soil crust after hand-forming to create his artwork. In fact, his father who was a sculptor himself was the one responsible for Hashimoto’s early start in art; he actually started producing it when he was only a child. Later on, it was easy for me to decide his major: ceramics. He then proceeded to Graduate School and ended his college life after receiving a master’s degree in March 2017.

“Compass”. Made of kaoline and glaze. Unique work. Photo: ©The Artling

Even though he is not exactly used to working with pottery, he feels quite comfortable working with clay (and burning it) at the moment.

When asked about what message he is trying to convey with his artwork, the answer is quite inspired: “In this somewhat frivolous and superficial modern society, I am hoping that my works will become a chance for people to stop for a moment to see through the essence of matter and to face oneself.”

TAKE A LOOK AT THE MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN CHARME HOTEL BY CABERLONCAROPPI