Artist Statement:

Originally from Japan, I am a Philadelphia-based artist and educator who produces uniquely designed porcelain and stoneware tableware in my home studio.

My upbringing in a Japanese household and my life-long passion for food drives me to design and create dishes that enrich the presentation of food while enhancing the dining experience.

I create forms that consist of simple lines with muted colors. I use minimal design and a limited color palette to create an ideal setting for the display of food. My process includes wheel throwing, handbuilding, and slip casting.

This exhibition is both a survey of my work over the past 15 years, and an illustration of the various processes I taught in my class at William & Mary. Some pieces were made during my residency at W&M, where I was able to use processes familiar to me, but also to take advantage of facilities on campus — primarily the Makerspace — to explore new processes. Other pieces were made in my studio in Philadelphia.

I am all about food! When you look at my work on display, I hope that it inspires thoughts for a meal you would like to serve.

Hiroe Hanazono

Exhibition sponsored by the Department of Art & Art History at William & Mary

Acknowledgements:

I would like to thank William & Mary for the Class of 1939 Artist in Residence and for the opportunity to have this exhibition.

Thank you so much to: Mike Jabbur, who invited me here, for all of the guidance and support throughout the semester; Michael Gaynes for helping me with digitizing my hand drawn design on the computer, among so many things; Chris Wagner for putting up with my random stop-bys and helping to provide everything I needed; Jonathan Frey and his amazing team of students, Ella, Ethan and Catesby for not giving up, figuring out how to make my prototypes; Martha Jones and Bill Hutton for providing me with such a lovey and comfortable place to stay, along with so many other things; Jenn Myers and David Janesko for continuously giving me great creative energy; Nikki Santiago for finding the exhibition space; Patrick Smith for creating the promotional materials; Jennie Davy for your guidance in installing my work; Cathy Jacobs for all your administrative help; Craig Ebner for unconditional support; and all other people who supported me to make this exhibition happen. I am very lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful people.