Richard Tanaka has been a potter and artisan for over 28 years. He has been developing skills in Raku pottery as well as utilitarian stoneware and porcelains. His work reflects two distinctive styles as well as two different approaches and philosophies. The utilitarian ware must have the quality of perfection in its design taking into consideration a simple but major principle and that is whether or not it works efficiently. The other major principle is just as important and that is the visual impression of the work, "What is the message it is trying to convey? "

Richard strive for the qualities of perfection and elegance in functional ware. Pottery is considered more of a craft than an art. Raku on the other hand is more unpredictable. The different effects are exciting, freer and not as controlled. The endless patterns and varied metallic lusters are left to the whims of the fire, proving that his sculptural forms work well in raku, forming naturally as in nature.

"Most my knowledge of clay has come from research, experience and instinct. I studied pottery briefly at Humber College in Toronto in 1972. My apprenticeship in clay also came through my employment at Rodaco Clay in Scarborough, Ontario, a clay mixing and supply house. The magical quality of the clay and the firing had me hooked from the beginning.

In 1978 my partner and I planned to move to the West Coast. Because of the weariness of the 3000-mile move and many break-downs traveling across Canada we settled in Salmon Arm, B.C. The house and studio I built on six acres in the mountains, has turned into a self‑sufficient full­time job that continues to grow and develop.

The heart of my functional work consists of classic and traditional Japanese forms. The powerful influence of my surroundings and the beauty of the Shuswap Lakes inspire the layers of glaze and painting on my pots. My sculptural pieces, including potheads, foot vases and fish goblets, are whimsical and often bring chuckles and smiles to first time viewers. At the present time I work with high-fired stoneware and porcelain clays primarily in oxidation and raku.

My journey in clay has affected my lifestyle. My lifetime endeavor has been to achieve an excellence in form and function with my work, to master the ability to make in clay objects I can imagine, and to make a statement - whether it is a beauty to behold or a social or political comment.

In the near future I hope to build an anagama wood fired kiln, as well as a natural gas reduction kiln. After all, variety is the spice of life!"         
                                                                                                                                     -Richard Tanaka

MOST RECENT SHOWS AND EXHIBITS

PUBLICATIONS

COMMISSIONS

•   Public (1989) The First United Church of Salmon Arm

•   Public (1987) The Museum and Historical Society, Salmon Arm

COLLECTIONS

•   Institutional (1987) Shuswap Arts Council, Salmon Arm