Description
Kiichi Takeuchi
Revo-Cup Alpha, 2023
Porcelain
2 x 4 x 6 in
Artist’s Statement:
I was born in Tokyo, Japan, and moved to New York in 1998. I have been working in the field of Computer Science for 25 years. Currently, I am embracing a new challenge as a BFA student at Long Island University, pursuing ceramics and exploring my artistic voice. I am actively engaging with various aspects of ceramic arts: creating functional ware, hand-building objects, and experimenting with 3-D printing.
My primary focus is building functional wares from iron-rich clay, using a wood-fired anagama kiln. My functional pieces consistently feature primitive earthy textures and curves, while I strive for a rustic red flash to achieve a particular surface aesthetic. I have begun a series of wood-fired works based on my concept of using a modified version of saggers, which I call “Kimono.” My passion in these projects lies in exploring the interactions between the rich atmosphere of the wood kiln and the clay body within a semi-open sagger.
Additionally, I lead a 3-D printing study group/lab at the university studio, where I integrate my technical background into the new realms of ceramic art. I presented “Scan and Print 3-D in the Classroom” at NCECA 2023, sharing ideas for incorporating affordable clay 3-D printers into classroom exercises. Following this, I have developed a novel concept using a 3-D clay printer to build ceramic art directly from data. My latest proposal, “Data to Cup – Visualization Technique with a 3-D Clay Printer” has been accepted for NCECA 2024.
Artist’s Bio:
Kiichi Takeuchi was born in Tokyo, Japan, and moved to New York in 1998. He has a BS and MS in Computer Science from Long Island University. After developing apps and software for 24 years, Kiichi decided to become a BFA student in order to pursue studying ceramic art in 2022. He is also in charge of maintaining and leading the study group of a 3-D printer at the Craft Center. Kiichi actively participates in Wood Firing and Kiln building at Trevor Youngberg’s Anagama in Connecticut. His wood-fired whiskey cups are exhibited at the Del Ray Artisans National Ceramic Show in VA in 2022, and his presentation proposal about 3-D printers has been accepted for NCECA 2023 and 2024.
