Meet the Maker: Aya Ogawa

I thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with Aya Ogawa on Marshmallow World in all its sugary glory. Enjoy our little chat on working together and our wishes for you this holiday season.

JASON: Aya, I have been falling in love with your work for a long time. My first pieces were some of your mugs and they quickly became favorites of mine. It was fun to reach out to you for this collaboration with an expectation that you’d come back with pieces that were signature to your style, but new to your repertoire. I asked you to work on your interpretation of a hot cocoa pot.  What was it like working on the piece? Did it turn out as you imagined?

AYA: The color and size of the pot had been decided, so I made many prototypes to find the right shape. I had the idea of shaving the lines.  Its unevenness enhances the expression of the glaze. It was important to make them thicker so that the embellishments and texture would be soft, and the overall vision would come together. It was hard work, but in the end, I think it worked out well.

JASON: I agree!  I appreciate the time and attention that you gave to the piece. When it arrived and I held it in my hands, I was moved to know that you made it with such great care. It sits so well with the accompanying mugs, teacups and saucers and mini bowls. What a treat! On a different note, I am wondering what is it like to see your beautiful ceramic work styled by someone in America for the winter holidays?

AYA: I am very happy. I knew that the winter holiday season is a special season for American people, so it was wonderful to see my Japanese creations in the same space with them, as if all sorts of separations and stereotypes disappeared into the sky 

JASON: That is so beautifully stated. I was also thrilled with how the integration of our work came together. I can’t tell you how many people came into the studio and rushed over to the vignette to hold your beautiful pieces in their hands. In a funny way, I can’t wait to dismantle the display so that I can start using your mugs again as part of my daily routine! So, Aya, Warmhouse Story is all about inclusion and togetherness. I am so excited to have you as a part of my holiday displays! Is there any wish you have for my readers as they celebrate holidays with their family and friends?

AYA: Inclusion and togetherness. I think it's a wonderful theme. I hope that by speaking kindly from one person to another, we can create a world where the baton of compassion circulates. I hope that everyone will be able to spend even a moment warming their hearts.

JASON: What a beautiful wish! We all need a little more kindness and compassion in our lives these days. I have to say that working with you has been an absolute pleasure. You exhibited the kindness that you mention in every exchange that we had along the way. I am so grateful to have found you and had the opportunity to collaborate with you from so far away. Thank you for being a part of Warmhouse Story.  Just know that when I have my daily tea in one of your mugs that I’ll be thinking of you and this lovely time working with you. I wish you well and a happy prosperous new year!