Workshops
3 Day Online Workshop with Ken Matsuzaki and Akira Satake, followed by an exhibition of their work. We are thrilled to announce a new workshop collaboration -- Convergence 4!
This time, we will be exploring the unique approaches of two potters from completely different backgrounds. Ken Matsuzaki, one of Japan's most important potters, brings over 55 years of experience, extending from a rich tradition of Japanese ceramics in which he has found his own distinctive style.
In contrast, Akira Satake hails from Japan but discovered pottery in his 40s after pursuing a career in music in New York City. Essentially self-taught, he has developed his unmistakable esthetic through experimentation, observation, and lots of trial and error.
Despite their diverse paths they resonate together, and with Convergence 4 participants will be able to witness their creative synergy in action! During the workshop, Satake will spotlight Matsuzaki as he demonstrates and explains the long standing traditions of Japanese pottery in glazing, firing techniques, materials, and making, while also sharing some of the techniques of his well-known original style.
Satake will showcase, discuss and demonstrate his personal approach, rooted in an outsider's perspective and philosophy.
Some of the workshop content:
Chawan and other traditional utensils. Ken will demonstrate throwing tea bowls and share insights into chawan, including Ido chawan. Akira will demonstrate Fuyu chawan with Dobe mortar.
Tsubo and sculptural vessels. Ken and Akira will demonstrate their signature styles of tsubo, vase and plate making.
Glazing, clay choice and preparation, firing and kilns. Ken and Akira will talk about and demonstrate application of Japanese Shino, Oribe and Nuka glazes and how to fire them.
Please join us for this very special opportunity to delve into the minds and creative processes of two internationally recognized Japanese ceramic artists.
Ken Matsuzaki will be presenting from his home in Mashiko, Japan and Akira Satake from Asheville, NC in a live, three-day online Zoom workshop that will feature hands on demonstrations by the artists, slide presentations of their work, and lots of in depth discussion about their techniques, artistic journeys, and personal creative philosophies.
Each session will run for three hours, from 10am to 1pm, EST(US), and students are invited to submit questions on the Zoom Chat feature to be answered during a daily question and answer break.
As a courtesy to Akira and Ken, we ask that you not hold group viewings of this workshop. Class size and enrollment fees are based on the number of individual students participating and not meant to include multiple viewers.
Open to all levels of experience.
GENERAL INFORMATION
A few days after the workshop ends, we will share a link to enable students to view a recording of the entire workshop. The video will be available for one month and will not be downloadable. In order to be able to view the recording, students must have a Google account (gmail address). If you need to set up a gmail address for this purpose, please be sure to let us know the address by the end of the workshop so that we can send you the link.
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
To cancel a workshop registration and receive a refund, notify us at least 7 days before the start date of your workshop. If we are given the required 7 day notice we will refund your payment, minus a $50 cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than 7 days before the start of the workshop.
“Finding the beauty in imperfection”,
January 17-19, 2026
9:00 am-3:00 pm
at Parker School Ceramics Studio
Parker School
65-1224 Lindsey Road
Kamuela, HI 96743
I will be leading a hands-on hand building and wheel throwing workshop sharing techniques I use when making my tea ceremony bowls, yunomi, sake vessels, tea pots, plates, ikebana vases, and sculptural objects. (The number of wheels is limited, but we can share!)
Participants will learn to create rich surfaces inspired by the natural world. Techniques will include:
1) Handbuilding Satake style stretched kohiki to make cups, teapots, etc., with a reed teapot handle demonstration.
2) "Kurinuki" technique to make a sculpture/vase, chawan, box, etc.
3) Using wheel and/or handbuilding: Adding Dobe mortar on the pieces to make yunomi, chawan, sake bottles, plates, etc. (We have a limited number of wheels available, but sharing should work just fine.)
I will also be sharing my experience and knowledge in a discussion of the Japanese aesthetic. Participants will gain insight in finding the beauty in imperfection, the meaning of "wabi-sabi," and the importance of "ma" -- the space in between.
Open to all levels of experience. No wheel throwing experience necessary.
Cost: $595 ($500 + material and lab fee $95)
Class limit: 16 people
Akira is widely sought after as an instructor and lecturer and has been invited to teach and exhibit throughout the U.S. and in France, Italy, Belgium, Israel, Australia, Spain, Chile, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Bali, Brazil, Greece, and Japan.
For local accommodation information, please contact Anne Sandler — annesandler6@gmail.com Ph: 303-807-3252
General Information:
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
When we receive your registration we will send you a confirmation via email. If the event you wish to register for is already full, please join the waiting list. If spaces open up before the workshop date we will go down the waiting list and contact applicants as positions become available.
To cancel a workshop registration and receive a refund, notify us at least 30 days before the start date of your workshop. If we are given the required 30 days notice we will refund your payment, minus a $100 cancellation fee and a $50 nonrefundable processing fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 30 days of the start of the workshop.
We cannot be responsible for nonrefundable airline tickets.
Hands-on Workshop with Akira in Asheville, NC
Session 1 (September 26-29)
Session 2 (October 1-4)
I will be leading a hands-on hand building and wheel throwing workshop sharing techniques I use when making my tea ceremony bowls, yunomi, sake vessels, tea pots, plates, ikebana vases, and sculptural objects. (The number of wheels is limited, but we can share!)
Participants will learn to create rich surfaces inspired by the natural world. Techniques will include:
1) Handbuilding Satake style stretched kohiki to make cups, teapots, etc., with a reed teapot handle demonstration.
2) "Kurinuki" technique to make a sculpture/vase, chawan, box, etc.
3) Using wheel and/or handbuilding: Adding Dobe mortar on the pieces to make yunomi, chawan, sake bottles, plates, etc. (We have a limited number of wheels available, but sharing should work just fine.)
I will also be sharing my experience and knowledge in a discussion of the Japanese aesthetic. Participants will gain insight in finding the beauty in imperfection, the meaning of "wabi-sabi," and the importance of "ma" -- the space in between.
Open to all levels of experience. No wheel throwing experience necessary.
Cost: $900 ($825 + lab fee $75)
Class limit: 20 people.
Session 1: September 26-29, 2025, 10am-4pm (Studio open from 9am to 6pm)
Session 2: October 1 - 4, 2025, 10am-4pm (Studio open from 9am to 6pm)
at REVOLVE, 821 Riverside Dr, Asheville, NC 28801
General Information:
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
When we receive your registration we will send you a confirmation via email. If the event you wish to register for is already full, please join the waiting list. If spaces open up before the workshop date we will go down the waiting list and contact applicants as positions become available.
To cancel a workshop registration and receive a refund, notify us at least 30 days before the start date of your workshop. If we are given the required 30 days notice we will refund your payment, minus a $100 cancellation fee and a $50 nonrefundable processing fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 30 days of the start of the workshop.
We cannot be responsible for nonrefundable airline tickets.