Now then, today is the second part of my interview with Takeshi Kaneshige. I’m naturally a go-at-my-own-pace kind of person who only acts when the mood strikes, but somehow I’ve managed to see this interview through to the end. So, here is the second part.
Me: "So, are there any contemporary artists you are interested in or find inspiring?"
Takeshi: "Inspiring? Like artists I like?"
Me: "Yes, exactly. It doesn't have to be Bizen ware; is there anyone?"
Takeshi: "I suppose I'd say Hideyuki (Wani)."
Me: "I see. You two talk often, don't you? What is it about his work that interests you?"
Takeshi: "I'm not sure? I just like it. There’s a flavor to it that gently sinks into the heart."
Me: "I agree. It’s like home cooking, or perhaps the nostalgic taste of one’s hometown..."
Takeshi: "Exactly (laughs). It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of thing you want to keep by your side forever."
Me: "It’s never tiring, yet it never gets boring—that’s the feeling I get. Now, besides 'pottery,' is there anything else? Like architecture, natural scenery, or paintings... anything is fine."
Takeshi: "The shape of rocks, I suppose. Plants too. They’re interesting precisely because they are untouched by human hands."
Me: "So, nature in the literal sense. Do you often go out to see these things on your days off?"
Takeshi: "It's not about going out to see them; it's more that it's nice when they just happen to catch my eye."
Me: "So, what do you do on your days off? Tell us about your hidden hobbies."
Takeshi: "Oh, I probably just sleep (laughs). I don't really take proper days off, so I’ll just sleep in until noon."
Me: "I see. Lastly, do you have any message for our readers?"
Takeshi: "What should I say? (laughs) Hmm, well, if they could just use the pieces and appreciate their quality... I really hope people will 'raise' their Bizen ware. I believe a piece is only complete once it’s been nurtured."
Me: "In the hands of the customer, at their dining table, at a tea ceremony... it is through the customer's use that the work is finally completed."
Takeshi: "Yes. It is completed by being raised. Also, please keep supporting me! (laughs)"
Me: "Will do (laughs). Thank you so much for your time! Oh, one last thing, may I ask your favorite food?"
Takeshi: "What? My favorite food? Sashimi, I suppose. Specifically, Spanish mackerel sashimi."
That is all. It turned out to be quite long, but what did you think? I didn't set out with the intention that you would "touch the heart of the artist through this interview." I simply interviewed them purely out of my own curiosity because artists are such fascinating people. They are all truly eccentric, yet they possess such raw humanity. I often think that artists are "guilty" people. If you ask why, it’s because they keep dragging people, one after another, into the magical abyss that is pottery. It is precisely because they are such people that speaking with them is so much fun. Takeshi was also a wonderful "guilty" person. His simple and unadorned personality is exactly like his work, and it makes me think that "a person's character really does show through." There are those with difficult philosophies, those who are bold, and those who are mysterious. Each of these intense individuals has a unique story, and it’s truly interesting. I hope to continue introducing such stories in the future. Please do drop by again. Until next time.