
ccbc's artist interview series with atusko yoshimura
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The CCBC’s Artist Interview Series is published on the 15th of each month. Our intention is to connect readers with the incredible artists in our space, consider craft through the lens of an artist, and encourage people in their own journey with craft.
Artist Biography: Atsuko Yoshimura grew up in Japan and immigrated to Canada in 1996. She studied ceramics extensively in Japan and Canada. Upon arrival in Vancouver, she enrolled in the Fine Arts program at Langara College. Then she transferred to Emily Carr University of Art and Design and received a BFA in 2006. On top of her studies, she worked as a glaze technician at a pottery studio, and also produced ceramic work for galleries and craft shows around Vancouver. In 2008, she took a hiatus from pottery making and focused on raising her children. Once her second son entered elementary school in 2014, she made a fresh start with a new body of work, porcelain series. In addition to making work out of her studio in Vancouver, she currently works as a pottery studio manager at West End Community Centre in Vancouver BC.
Could you tell us briefly what you make?
I create porcelain and stoneware pottery, primarily using the potter’s wheel. My work is influenced by Japanese aesthetics and emphasizes simplicity, balance, and the natural beauty of materials. My porcelain pieces have clean forms, often accented with subtle throwing marks that add depth to their smooth surfaces. Some have delicate carved patterns, pierced rims, or altered edges for added detail. I use clear glaze on porcelain to highlight its texture and translucency. In contrast, my stoneware has a more grounded feel, with an earthy clay body and glazes that enhance its warmth. Each piece is created and fired in an electric kiln in my home studio in Vancouver. I thoughtfully design my work to be both useful and beautiful, bringing joy to daily life.

Ultimately, I make pottery because I love it. I’ve been making pottery for over 25 years, and throughout this time, it has been a personal journey and a way to communicate. There is something deeply satisfying about the process—shaping the clay with my hands, watching it transforms, and knowing that each piece reflects my journey. Pottery offers endless possibilities for exploration. Each time I fire a kiln, I anticipate the results—the nuances in glaze, texture, and form. This unpredictability keeps me engaged, and my work evolves with every piece I create. I’m always learning from the process. Above all, I make pottery because it brings me a sense of purpose and joy. It’s a way for me to express my aesthetic sensibilities, honour tradition, and share beauty with others in a way that is both functional and deeply personal.
Yes, my work has evolved significantly over the years. When I first started pottery, I focused on perfecting techniques and recreating precise forms I saw in books and photographs. Over time, I became more interested in the subtle details that give handmade pieces their character and began exploring my own style. Initially, I worked primarily with stoneware and coloured glazes, but now I focus more on white porcelain, drawn to its translucency and brightness. My stoneware has also become more minimal, with calmer, more restrained colors. While I still create functional pottery, I have

Trust yourself and take your time to grow. Craft is a lifelong journey, and your style will develop through patience, practice, and curiosity. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, especially on social media, but remember that your path is your own. The best work comes from being true to yourself, not from following trends. Follow what excites you—whether it’s a material, form, or process. Lastly, find a community. Connecting with other artists will inspire and support you on your journey.

Are there ideas, values, beliefs, or concepts that your work communicates? Could you tell us a bit more about that?

