Makoto Kagoshima is a Japanese artist whose work is at once playful and profound, a celebration of the beauty of the natural world and a meditation on the fragility of life. Born in Kagoshima, Japan in 1967, he has spent his career exploring the possibilities of ceramics and other media, creating pieces that are both whimsical and deeply meaningful.

As a photographer in Japan, one of the biggest perks of my job is meeting fellow creatives. Considering this, I was excited to photograph Makoto for a piece commissioned by House & Garden, the UK’s premier lifestyle magazine. In the southern city of Fukuoka, Makoto kindly welcomed me into his home and studio space. Within moments of our initial meeting, I felt that Kagoshima was a kindred spirit. He met my enthusiasm with a gentle laugh and rich conversation. He tended to lush plants as I drank a coffee he poured for me. He had a lightness to his step. Familiar with Kagoshima’s work, I wasn’t surprised to see the connections between his morning disposition and the designs he creates.

Drawing inspiration from the flora and fauna of his homeland, Kagoshima's designs are characterized by their intricate details, bold colors, and organic shapes. His ceramics, much like the ones stacked around his studio, are often decorated with images of birds, insects, and flowers, rendered with remarkable attention to detail and a sense of playfulness that speaks to his love of life.

Kagoshima's work is not just beautiful, however; it is also deeply reflective of his concerns for the environment and the future of our planet. He is known for his use of sustainable materials and natural dyes, as well as for his advocacy for the preservation of Japan's natural environment. His art, in other words, is not just an expression of his personal vision; it is also a call to action, a reminder of the importance of preserving the beauty of our world for future generations.

In the world of contemporary ceramics, Kagoshima's work is among the most celebrated and sought-after. His pieces have been featured in exhibitions around the world, including at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. His work has won numerous awards, including the Grand Prize at the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition and the Good Design Award, and has been included in prestigious collections such as the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York.

Perhaps what is most striking about Kagoshima's work, however, is its ability to capture the essential beauty of life. His pieces are delicate and strong, intricate and bold, and they speak to the fundamental interconnectedness of all things. For Kagoshima, the natural world is not just a source of inspiration; it is a reminder of the profound mystery and wonder of existence.

In a world that often seems focused on materialism and consumerism, Kagoshima's art offers a different kind of vision, one that is rooted in a deep respect for the natural world and a profound sense of gratitude for the beauty of life. His work reminds us that even in the midst of the most difficult times, there is still room for wonder and joy.

There, in his home, Makoto made my job as a portrait photographer easy. Spending time with him felt casual, and natural. As I left his studio, my impression of Makoto Kagoshima solidified. He is, without a doubt, a truly remarkable artist whose work speaks to the deepest aspects of the human experience. His ceramics are at once beautiful and meaningful, playful and profound. In a world that is often chaotic and uncertain, his art offers a sense of hope and reminds us that there is always a reason to celebrate the beauty of life.

Read the full text by David Nicholls in House & Garden here.

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