COVERCHORD EXCLUSIVE

AYOO NAOKI KANAZAWA
SOLO EXHIBITION
at COVERCHORD Nakameguro

Ceramics inspired by Winter Landscapes.
Now at COVERCHORD Nakameguro.

Saturday 23rd November to Wednesday 27th November

A solo exhibition by ceramic artist Naoki Kanazawa of Ayoo is now open at COVERCHORD Nakameguro.

Born on Shimoshima, part of the Amakusa Archipelago in Kumamoto Prefecture, Naoki Kanazawa grew up in a family devoted to pottery, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and the sea. He established Ayoo with his wife, Ayoo Sachi. Together, they express inspirations drawn from Amakusa’s natural beauty through clay, hands, photography, and words.

This exhibition showcases ceramic works crafted around the theme of "Winter Landscapes."
The strength of the earth, gentle ripples, crisp air, and the warmth of daily life―these elements are captured through a delicate interplay of unique clays and glazes, evoking the serene beauty of winter.
More than just visually stunning, Kanazawa’s creations are designed for daily use.

Visit the exhibition to experience the essence of "Winter Landscapes" firsthand.

Ayoo is an interjection in the Amakusa dialect, used when happy, sad, or surprised.
Though it lacks a specific meaning, it carries a gentle, soft tone.
 


Naoki Kanazawa “Ceramics”
Born in 1989 on Shimoshima, part of the Amakusa Archipelago.
In 2008, at the age of 18, he began his journey into ceramics.
In 2022, he established Ayoo in Amakusa.
Guided by the philosophy of "blending utility and beauty," he creates vessels as beautiful as the view of the sea, designed for everyday use.

Sachi Ayoo “Scenery”
In 2008, she began her career in video production, working as a director and contributing to projects such as Zekkei Kaidan, A Rainy Day Reading Journey, Susuru Project, and Aji na Ji.
In 2022, she directed Ayoo’s “Keshiki” (meaning “scenery”), a creative project combining video, photography, writing, and arrangements.

Website_ayoo-utuwakeshiki.com
Instagram_@ayoo_pottery

For the Solo Exhibition

This year marks 17 years since I began working with ceramics and the third year since my wife and I established Ayoo.
Looking back, my encounter with COVERCHORD dates back to 2018, when I was 28 years old.
It was a time when I was just starting to glimpse fragments of what my work could become.
I still vividly remember the expressions of the COVERCHORD team as they picked up my pieces and spoke to me about them—it’s a memory I cherish deeply.

From that meeting, what started as a solitary effort gradually expanded.
People who look forward to my work have grown little by little, and now, together with my wife as Ayoo, the landscapes we see have broadened significantly.
The joy I feel as a creator knowing people find happiness in using Ayoo’s vessels is indescribable.
 
This is my third solo exhibition at COVERCHORD. For this exhibition, I have made over 500 pieces, including gratin dishes and soup cups, perfect for winter.

The glazes I use are original blends of more than 10 natural components, which always result in unpredictable finishes.
But I find beauty in the unpredictable—after all, isn’t the sea beautiful precisely because its colors cannot be foreseen?
 
The new winter color, “Baby Blue,” came out with a calm and subtly sparkling appearance, and it reminded me of falling snow.
 

The title of the piece was inspired by a song from Fishmans, whose intro feels like gently falling snow.
 
Each piece has its own subtle details and features. For example, the design of the round mug aligns with its overall circular silhouette.
The rim is slightly flared outward on the wheel to ensure a smooth touch to the lips, and the handle is designed to fit one finger comfortably, reflecting the natural shape of the hand.
On especially cold days, I recommend ignoring the handle altogether—pour a warm drink into the cup and wrap your hands around it for a cozy experience.
Finally, to the COVERCHORD team, thank you for always creating such a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

November 2024 Ayoo

Saturday 23rd November to Wednesday 27th November

AYOO NAOKI KANAZAWA

Dates: Saturday 23rd November to Wednesday 27th November 2024, 11:00 - 19:00
*Artist scheduled to be in-store on Saturday 23rd November.

COVERCHORD Nakameguro
Address: 1-23-14 Aobadai, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

Instagram_@coverchord nakameguro

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