League Instructor Yasumitsu Morito on His Book: A Holistic Approach to Ceramic Sculpture: Its History, Theory, and Materiality

Yasumitsu Morito’s recently published book, A Holistic Approach to Ceramic Sculpture: Its History, Theory, and Materiality, discusses ideas of ceramics and sculpture in which students and professional artists can find solutions and inspiration. It focuses on the structures behind forms and colors that constitute ceramic art. The book also provides images of distinguished ceramic art, along with descriptions of their history, techniques, and concepts described, and will serve as an engaging and essential resource for the ceramic arts today.

In this book talk, Morito will delve into some of the core themes in A Holistic Approach to Ceramic Sculpture, sharing his own ceramic work, and his insight on this multifaceted medium and practice. The talk will conclude with a book sale and signing.

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About the Book

Yasumitsu Morito’s book A Holistic Approach to Ceramic Sculpture: Its History, Theory, and Materiality is a collection of numerous institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Frick Collection and Getty Art Institute. He is a fellow of National Sculpture Society, Cultural Ambassador of Mashiko Ceramic of Tochigi prefecture in Japan and the instructor of ceramic sculpture at the Art Students League of New York.

“Ceramic objects are created with the direct touch of the earth by the hand and then solidified by fire, embodying a truly collaborative effort between humans and nature. Yasumitsu Morito, who hails from Mashiko, which is best known as a kiln town in Japan, and one of the centers of the Mingei movement, has devoted his career as both an artist and educator. Through his extensive knowledge of ceramic methodologies and touching upon his own artistic concepts and forms, Morito escorts us through the world of ceramic arts in his first book, A Holistic Approach to Ceramic Sculpture: Its History, Theory and Materiality by providing us with a historical survey and a discussion of traditional techniques and contemporary innovations in the medium.”

 —Yukie Kamiya Art Critic and Former Gallery Directory, Japan Society, New York

“The images and clear diagrams and terminology make this book interesting to everyone – from those with a general interest in the arts, to beginning ceramists, to professional artists.”

 —Elizabeth Helm Librarian, National Sculpture Society

“The extensive endnotes and bibliography provide many options for further reading, should the audience seek more information about the material science of clay or modern philosophy or even thing theory. [This book] is a guide through a 5,000-year-old craft that encourages his reader to think critically about the moment in which she enters the ceramics ecosystem, and all the moments before and after.”

 —Sarah Montonchaikul Sculpture and Artifact Conservator

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