John Hasegawa

Being a ceramic artist fills me with immense joy as I delve into the fascinating world of clay and explore its plasticity. With every intentional cut and purposeful stroke, I capture the essence of metamorphosis, watching the ball of clay gracefully transform into a harmonious and refined vessel. Each of my creations reflects the spirit of transformation, preserving the kinetic energy of the creative process within their textured surfaces, immortalizing the dynamic journey they undertake.

Since before I was born, my mother has been an avid collector of Japanese pottery. Growing up surrounded by all of my mother’s collection, I have always been mesmerized by the arcane and spiritual nature of the Mizusashi, the Japanese ceremonial water jars. The subtleness, the intentional imperfection, and the gestures give each pot its own remark, just like people with their own unique characteristics. In my work, I wish to draw inspiration from these traditional Japanese forms and execute it with my personal interpretation.  My pottery is a continuing exploration of my Japanese-American heritage.

 

Associate Professor John Hasegawa is a native of Seattle, Washington. John is the head of the Ceramics department at Mt. Hood Community College, teaching beginning and advanced Ceramics.  He received a BA with a double major in Philosophy and Mathematics from the University of Puget Sound and a second BA in Art.  He also earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Ceramics from the University of Oregon.  John has taught both introductory and advanced level ceramics at Emporia State University in Kansas, Worcester Craft Center in Massachusetts, Armory Art Center in Florida, University of Oregon, and University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth.   He recently moved back to Oregon from  Paducah Kentucky, where he taught Ceramics, 3-D design, and Digital Photo classes at  Paducah School of Art in Paducah.   His work has been exhibited nationally and he has won numerous awards for his ceramics.