chrysanthemum

Akiko Hoshina, also known as kiku, is a potter based in Tokyo.

After enrolling in the Department of Spatial Design at Musashino Art University Junior College, she started pottery as one of the things she wanted to try "anything I was interested in while I was a student."

After graduating from university, she worked as a flower coordinator, decorating venues for weddings and other events, and has graced many spaces.

Later, after her childcare responsibilities eased, she began attending pottery classes again.
As she spent more time working with clay, her passion for pottery deepened, and she began exhibiting at various events.

She feels that her previous job as a flower coordinator and her current work as a ceramic artist are connected in terms of "adorning spaces."

In her creative process, she explores various expressions while researching the characteristics of clay and glazes to bring to life the endless ideas that spring to mind.

The animal lidded vessel series was born from a friend's suggestion, "Try making a Java sparrow!"

Every piece features an endearing expression, brimming with a charm that brings an involuntary smile to your face.

"I want to create works that naturally bring smiles and calm hearts."

Her works, imbued with such sentiments, bring gentle color and warmth into our lives.