Outdoor

Tomoko Ceramics

Oakland, CA

"One-of-a-kind Japanese influenced handmade ceramics"

I was born and grew up in Tokyo, Japan, and came to the United States in 1998. I live in Oakland, California, with my husband and two cats. I learned ceramic art privately from a friend who taught at Palo Alto Art Center, CA, in 2000 - 2008. Since then, I've continued to refine my skills and craft. One of my most memorable experiences was when a blind person bought several of my bowls at The Potters' Studio gallery sale and said, "Holding the bowl feels so good." Since then, I have more carefully made ceramic shapes with weight, especially my daily-use ceramics. I've been a member of The Potters' Studio in Berkeley, CA, and worked as a board member from 2016-2022. Since 2016, I have worked organizing pottery education opportunities between the United States and Japan.