“A Contented Presence”
—A Natural Born Ceramic Artist—

The moment I saw Saemu Imu’s bright smile after such a long time,
all the various anxieties I had been holding onto completely vanished.

It has been 50 years since he came to Japan from Cambodia to study ceramic art more widely and deeply,
and from his youth until today, his days have been entirely dedicated to pottery.
After all, ceramic art is, in the end, a task that demands a great deal of physical effort.
At times using strength, and at other times channeling meticulous focus to his fingertips,
he creates each and every piece of tableware.

Given his signature earnest approach and refusal to cut corners, I had quietly wondered
if long years of fatigue might be accumulating, even though he always appeared full of energy.
Indeed, from two or three years ago, he began experiencing discomfort in his arms, shoulders, back, and legs.
He managed to keep working through the pain, but eventually, even walking became difficult.
For someone as resilient as Mr. Saemu Imu, the endurance had reached its limit,
and he was finally forced to step away from his work from June to September
for medical treatment and rest.
Between the end of his solo exhibition late last year and this October—a span of about ten months—
his preparations for this upcoming solo exhibition included those four months of treatment and rest.
With a preparation period far shorter than in previous years,
I wondered if we had pushed him too hard, whether his physical condition had fully recovered,
and if he had managed to prepare a sufficient collection of works.
Ahead of my visit just before the exhibition, various thoughts and anxieties crossed my mind.

As the couple welcomed me into their showroom,
I found the space, measuring about 33 square meters, filled completely
with fresh and captivating tableware.
Overwhelmed by the sight, I could not help but exclaim, “Wonderful!”

A prominent feature of Mr. Saemu Imu’s work over the last two or three years
is the increasing number of detailed designs created with soft, delicate brushstrokes.
As a general tendency among ceramic artists who have matured over many years,
facing the challenges of aging often means their eyes and hands do not move exactly as they wish.
Consequently, shaping the clay and handling the paintbrush
tend to become simplified or rough.
At times, the intuition and skills built over many years can work together
to bring out a refined, seasoned charm…
Yet, far from being rough, Mr. Saemu Imu paints with smooth brushwork, capturing every single detail.
Furthermore, because the patterns completely cover the entire surface of the tableware,
it brings forth a profound style filled with his distinct, outstanding individuality.

I took the opportunity to ask Mr. Saemu Imu directly.
“Looking at your recent work, there seem to be many detailed line drawings and
patterns covering the entire surface of the pieces. Do you have a specific intention behind this?”

Mr. Saemu Imu replied,
“I don’t have any particular intention.
First, I hold the bisque-fired clay in my hands and take a look at it.
Based on its size and shape, I sketch out ideas of what kind of patterns would suit it.
Then, I think about what motif would be best—
whether a bird, a flower, fruit, or perhaps small animals like rabbits or squirrels.
Once I have a general idea in mind,
I put paintbrush to clay and outline the shapes with fine lines.

Now, when it is finally time to give expression to the piece,
as soon as I begin moving the brush, ideas expand one after another.
Thoughts like ‘since this is tableware, I should leave empty space here,’
or ‘since it is tableware, I must keep it simple’—
such deliberate calculations never cross my mind during the process.
Things I have wanted to do and paint for a long time
are remembered by my body and bubble up naturally.
Just like enjoying the oil paintings I do every morning as a hobby,
the surface of the tableware becomes my canvas itself.
It feels as though the brush is playing freely of its own accord.
Before I know it, both my body and soul are deep inside the piece.
And so, the delightful, intricate patterns drawn in my heart
are reflected onto the tableware.”

As I listen to his words, everything makes perfect sense to me.Mr. Saemu Imu possesses a natural artistic sensibility and skills cultivated through a long life of ceramic making, both beautifully integrated within him.
He is truly “a natural-born ceramic artist.”

At the very end, Mr. Saemu Imu shared with me in a deeply reflective tone,
“I am enveloped in the happiness of doing what I love, and having everyone enjoy it.”

≪ END ≫