Bohemian dress (olive)
Okinawa is an island with a different atmosphere to that of Honshu.
Many people are drawn to this island, where art, interaction, lifestyle, and culture all blend together. "This is exactly how it should be," is a comment I've heard many times. I went to meet Sayana, a ceramic artist who was born and raised in this place.
We parked the car and were guided inside. We walked through a small alleyway reminiscent of a secret base, and through a door to the workshop where she creates her many works.
Once inside, the humidity and heat clung to us. Shooting began with sweat trickling down my forehead, but Sayana's presence softened the atmosphere, standing there cool enough to make me forget the heat.
"I usually create my work here."
Following her lead, we proceed through the workshop. This place is muggy in the summer and cool in the winter. It's not exactly comfortable, but this space, including its inconveniences, is likely a part of her creative process.
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"I'm currently using this space, but my new workshop will be opening nearby soon. I think I'll be able to work there more comfortably."
Sayana spoke with excitement, saying that she hopes to use her new workshop not only as a work space, but also to host pop-up events and workshops in the future.
In the quiet workshop, she sits in front of the potter's wheel. The moment she places her fingers on the clay, the air becomes tense. As the wheel turns, the pristine clay slowly begins to take on life.
The scene was like a prayer, like breathing.
His gaze, hand movements, even his breathing all naturally overlapped, as if he were conversing with the soil.
"Spinning the potter's wheel feels like meditation."
As he says this, his smiling face exudes a strength hidden deep within his stillness.
Time to simply focus on creating.
It will surely be a gentle and profound moment, a time to face yourself.
"I used to be a barista. I loved making coffee and collecting mugs by various artists."
The feeling that a cup of coffee in her favorite mug brings a little happiness to her everyday life soon turned into a desire to "try making something myself," which led her to attend a pottery experience.
"My first experience was really difficult, but on the other hand, it was really interesting. I wondered how I could make it my own, and decided to learn it from scratch."
This is where her training began. She then began her training at Yachimun Village in Yomitan, Okinawa. Yachimun Village in Yomitan, Okinawa, is home to many pottery studios, where artisans who preserve traditions create works every day.
"One day, I found a workshop that was hiring. Being able to learn while working was ideal for me at the time."
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He works in the workshop from 8am to 6pm, and then continues training until late at night every day.
While helping with sales, he learned by hand how to make the clay, how to fire the pottery, how to use glazes, and the different shapes of the pottery.
"Every day, my whole body was covered in mud," she says with a nostalgic laugh.
She said that what she learned from her master was not only how to handle clay, but also firing methods, knowledge of glazes, the differences in pottery shapes, and the culture and traditions rooted in the climate of Okinawa. All of these have become important pieces that have shaped who she is today.
Pottery, which is affected by weather and humidity, may seem like a quiet task at first glance, but it is actually very physically demanding.
However, when she sat at the potter's wheel, it was as if she was breathing in unison with the clay, and there was a rhythm that was all her own.
"My goblets are characterized by a pattern that looks like glass has melted into them. They are original pieces that were created through a lot of trial and error, combining ceramic with transparent materials." 
The vibrant colors breathe life into her work. The soft texture and clear shine of the glaze harmonize in a single vessel, creating a beauty that seems to capture a natural landscape.
He said that the appearance changes with each firing, and that each time brings new discoveries.
"Right now I'm using glazes to create smooth, textured vessels, but in the future I'd like to try my hand at simpler pieces that make the most of the earthiness of the clay itself."
Through repeated experiments, he reflects his current state in his work.
His recent works are all simple, and seem to embody the idea of "returning to oneself."
"My work is completely different from when I first started. But it's fun to see things change. I have a feeling it will continue to change in the future."
In the Okinawan environment, where she is in harmony with nature, she works at her own pace, slowly. Over time, her work will no doubt continue to change.
She launched the brand "Brible."
The name embodies the wish to "Brighten up your table."
"This piece gently fits into your everyday life, and just having it there makes you feel a little happier. I would be happy if you felt that way."
Her expression was incredibly soft as she spoke.
Pottery is a quiet, deep, and free activity.
It changes shape with the breath of nature, the changing seasons, and our changing hearts.
Even as things change, there are feelings that remain unchanged.
"May the dining table be a little brighter"
These vessels, filled with such small prayers, will continue to gently accompany people's lives.
I look forward to seeing Sayana continue to create beautiful, dignified works that are characteristic of her, surrounded by the Okinawan breeze.
Originally from Okinawa Prefecture, after graduating from Ryukyu Culinary Institute, he gained experience working in food-related fields such as cooking and coffee. He was then captivated by the world of tableware that adds color to food, and trained at the pottery studio "Toushingama" in Yomitan. After going independent, he launched his own brand "BRIBLE" and continues to create tableware that complements everyday life, with the concept of "Brighten up your table."
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Article and photos by Hinako Kanda
