By Amber Ford, For The Mountain Times
Unique in color and shape, the works of local pottery artist Mayumi Sekigawa are a gentle and beautiful reminder that art is not necessarily always on a canvas. A lover of art since childhood, Sekigawa has not always seen herself as an artist, but more so a person dedicated to creating pieces that make people happy. “I’ve never thought about myself as an artist until one day one of my artist friends, Katie Simpson (an amazing painter in CA), told me ‘you make amazing things, you are an artist,’” Sekigawa said. “That inspired me to say out loud “I am an artist,’” Sekigawa added.
Inspired by legendary artists such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali, Sekigawa finds herself mused by their works and the requests of some of her clients. “Conversations with people inspire me,” Sekigawa said. “‘Can you make this?’ is the best inspiration for me. I like challenges. ‘How can I make it?’ is always an exciting moment for me,” Sekigawa added. Although most pottery based works share specific dimensions and purposes, Sekigawa has a much deeper and creative vision when making her art. “I love colors and shapes,” Sekigawa said. “When I see interesting shapes in the world I always think about how I can make it with clay,” Sekigawa added.
Originally from Osaka, Japan, Sekigawa also spent time living in Utah, Coos Bay and Portland before relocating with her partner to The Mt. Hood Villages in 2020. Sekigawa’s pottery is not only designed for the appeal of use for a cup of coffee or tea, but also defined by her artistic visions from living so close to The Mt. Hood National Forest. “Living in nature and being a part of it has definitely inspired me to create some organic shapes,” Sekigawa said. “I let the clay move wherever it wants to and sprinkle in my colors,” she added.
Along with the plethora of artistic inspiration she has found in her backyard and from legendary artists past, Sekigawa also finds creative growth from the local art community within The Mt. Hood Villages. “I’ve met so many artists living on the mountain,” Sekigawa said.
“Exchanging ideas and just simply talking with them inspires me to create more things that make people happy,” Sekigawa added.
For those interested in purchasing Sekigawa’s pottery you can visit Coffee House 26 or Cooper’s Wine Bar. Sekigawa is also accepting commissioned work and can be reached at kiiroyapdx@gmail.com, @kiiroyapdx (Instagram) or @kiiroyapottery (Facebook).