Writing
“The Road Back to Karatsu,” print, Kyoto Journal 97
I interviewed Kenta Nakazato, the third generation in a sub-house of a pottery family that originated in southern Japan in the 15th century. We discussed lineage, growing up at the pottery, learning the family trade, and returning to the kiln after pursuing tailoring at university.
“Inheriting 17 Generations of Tradition: speaking with Fuyuko Kobori of Kobori Enshu Ryu Tea School” print, Kyoto Journal 97
I had tea with Fuyuko Kobori, the newest iemoto, grand tea master, of the school that has been in her family almost since the dawn of tea as a cultural form in the 16th century. She represents a shift in tradition as the first woman to hold the position of iemoto of any major tea school in the country.
“A Critical Moment for Japanese Art Curation: a dialogue with Anne Nishimura Morse of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston” print, Kyoto Journal 97
I spoke with Dr. Nishimura Morse, the William and Helen Pounds Senior Curator of Japanese art at the MFA Boston, about the state of the global community in Japanese art. As the few individuals who maintain and present art of the highest quality reach retirement age, there are still alarmingly few resources for the young curators who will have to take over stewardship of these collections.
“Citing research by the U.S.-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange, Morse warned that in 2020, over 75% of specialists in Japanese art would be at retirement age.”
Further Writing
Book reviews for Kirkus Reviews, 2023-Present
“Ashwini Bhat: #claynomad at home” online, Kyoto Journal 7/14/2020
“QA with John Dix: American Potter in Tamba Sasayama” print, Kansai Scene 6/28/2020
“Keeping it Local: KI NO BI Kyoto Gin” online photos and writing, Kyoto Journal 12/8/2019
“The International Museum Community Arrives in Kyoto” online, Kyoto Journal 11/9/2019
“Why the Best Views in Kyoto are the Most Humble Small Buildings” online, Japan Objects 5/3/2019