Inspiration for “United Passage”and Process Pictures
By Christopher Mathie

When Evette Mason from the Port of Tacoma called me to discuss the need for a special gift for NYK it only took a few words from Evette for me to have a vision that seemed appropriate. The thoughts that went through my head were about connectedness and cooperation. The idea of two areas coming together, both places rich in natural beauty and awareness. Already having a background in Raku pottery with a Pacific Rim aesthetic I felt the pottery form should be simple, graceful and elegant. And I felt the carving should be straight forward, spontaneous and natural. I had the idea complete in my head before I was off the phone with Evette and completed the drawing below right away.

The actual creating of the pottery form and the carving happened quickly and I tried not to think too much. I tried to keep the initial vision clear in my mind allowing the process to flow. The glazing of the form was also allowed to be spontaneous without too much planning. And then, of course, the Raku firing calls for complete trust in nature; a surrendering to the flames to create natural beauty.

The main lesson that firing in Raku has taught me over the past fifteen years is to do my part and then allow nature to do the rest. It has taught me to open my mind to see and hear nature and to respond spontaneously. I owe a great deal to Japanese aesthetics and I am fortunate to live in the Pacific Northwest which has been greatly enhanced by its geographic closeness to Japan and the personal relationships that have ensued. I hope this Raku vessel commemorates and honors the relationship between NYK and the Port of Tacoma.

Christopher Mathie

(Scroll down to see all process pictures)

Initial drawing for “United Passage”

“United Passage”
Hand Thrown & Carved Raku
By Christopher Mathie
27”h x 14”w
2007

Christopher Mathie carving Port of Tacoma Vessel, 2007

Mathie reaching into kiln to remove hot vessel

Mathie carrying hot vessel from Raku kiln to reduction barrel
(Notice gloves catching on fire!)

Mathie has placed vessel into reduction barrel which ignited the paper
in the barrel. The lid is put on to smoother the fire creating an oxygen
free atmosphere allowing the glaze to mature. The piece is also
smoked while in this barrel. After the piece cools it will be scrubbed to
remove excess carbon build up from the smoke.

For the Port of Tacoma, Commissioner Richard P. Marzano and Executive Director Timothy J. Farrell attended the ceremony, at which an exchange of gifts occurred. NYK was represented by Koji Miyahara, president; Minoru Sato, representative director and executive vice-president; and a number of others.