Hoshino Satoru 星野暁 b. 1945

Hoshino Satoru (b. 1945) is an accomplished potter and artist hailing from Niigata, Japan, where he continues to create exceptional works that captivate audiences worldwide. Renowned for his "Spring Snow" vessels, Hoshino's artistic journey unfolds against the backdrop of Niigata's seasonal beauty, particularly the ethereal transition from winter to spring.

 

The Spring Snow series masterfully captures the essence of Niigata's early spring, evoking the interplay of sunlight and moonlight reflecting on pristine snow draped across the region's rugged landscapes. Hoshino's sculptural prowess shines through in the creation of his hand-built, pinched pots, notable not only for their impressive scale but also for the intricate glazing that adds depth and complexity to each piece.

 

A pivotal period in Hoshino's career occurred from 1974 to 1981 when he contributed to the celebrated Sodeisha movement, a sculptural movement founded by Yagi Kazuo and others, questioning the utilitarianism of functional ceramics in mid-century Japan. During this phase, he predominantly crafted black glazed wares, showcasing his technical prowess and commitment to the craft. Subsequently, Hoshino embarked on a solo artistic journey, diverging from the movement to explore his unique vision. This marked a transformative period, yielding some of the most expressive ceramics of his age.