nwh 2101 加藤直樹
Katoh Naoki
1979: KATO, Naoki was born in Okayama.
After graduating from the Faculty of Education (special art) at Okayama University, he has been making ceramics, mainly porcelain.
Ceramics, which is Naoki Kato’s main work, is, in principle, expected to be robust, but over a course of time it is destined to break. He makes full use of the “intrinsic nature of the material”, reminds us of fragility that makes us feel that it could break at any time as well as of a moment the life ends, and furthermore to let us foresee that this energy will be reincarnated into the next generation. All of these are essential nature of life and his works showcase all of them.
Additionally, the unique beauty of his works stems from his method of projecting his emotions onto the natural elements of “earth”, “fire”, “water”, and “flowers”, which is the way of expression that Japanese artists most typically employ.
I think this contributes to the high reputation of his works overseas, fueled by high expectations for his style of works.
Katoh Naoki