If you've ever been in the Home store, you already know we're passionate about ceramics. We always try to seek out artists - especially women artists - that inspire us and show us something new, and our newest addition to the ceramic shelves is no exception. Tomoro Pottery is a small pottery studio based in LA where all pieces are hand made by ceramicist Tomoko Morisaki. Tomoko's inspiration is drawn from objects in nature; her glazed "petal" series instantly makes us think of a swirl of spring apple blossoms blowing in the wind. She recently took some time away from the wheel to chat with us about her work and how Tomoro came to be. 

Tell us a bit about yourself: When and why did you start working with ceramics? What inspires you when you're creating? 

I grew up in a warm town near the sea in western Japan. I consider the beautiful and calm seascape as my home and safe space, which I believe it is the basis for the images I create today. I then studied ceramic design at Tokyo Gakugei University, where I found myself drawn to creating handmade pieces one by one rather than making manufacturable product designs, so I decided to pursue the path of a ceramic artist. As Tomoro pottery I aim to create simple, warm and comfortable tableware and vases to be used daily and for many moons.

What is your favorite part about working with clay? What is the biggest challenge? 

I love the calm and quiet time spent shaping clay on the potter’s wheel, as well as the process of carving lines into the surface of the clay. 

Occasionally, I make sculptural artwork, which is created through the process of bringing the formless images in my head into the real world. It’s a challenge to think about how to express them as they appear in my mind and to consider the physical limitations of the clay material, but the entire process is exciting and rewarding.

We love all your pieces, but the two dinner bells seem extra special. Can you tell us more about why you created them and what their characters mean to you? 

When making tableware or other items for daily use my number one priority is ease of use and comfort, but we also want fun things in our daily lives that makes us smile. As you may have felt, and to be completely honest, the bell wasn’t made with any solid design in mind - it was just something I came up with on a whim. I have two children, and I thought they would be happy to hear the ringing sound of a bell when they were called for snack time. When showing the store staff I was met by admiration and compliments, and it has now grown to become one of my most popular pieces. 

Thank you Tomoko, we're so happy to have your work at Cedar and Hyde! 

Be sure to check out the Tomoro collection on our site, or in person next time you're in the Home store. We're certain you'll be as delighted by her pieces as we are.