At the potter’s wheel: in conversation with Yukiko Tsuchiya
Presented by Yukiko Tsuchiya, Kathryn Hunyor & Rina Bernabei
August 24, 2025
Keen to join a creative conversation with a celebrated Japanese ceramicist?
On August 24 (Sunday), The Japan Foundation, Sydney will host Karatsu potter Yukiko Tsuchiya demonstrating her techniques ‘at the wheel’ while in conversation with curator and Japanese arts specialist Kathryn Hunyor.
Born in 1971 in the coastal city of Karatsu – famous for ceramic production since the late 16th century – Yukiko trained at the renowned Nakazato kiln before setting up her ‘Yukiko Kiln’ in 2002 and exhibiting her craft around Japan. She is now considered one of Japan’s most exciting Karatsu ceramicists.
In a studio-like setting, Yukiko will demonstrate her unique style of Japanese pot throwing, and discuss her special techniques, her creative life and the influence of her natural surroundings. The conversation will be translated into English. Designer and ceramicist Rina Bernabei will also join the conversation.
This demonstration-meets-conversation session accompanies The Japan Foundation, Sydney’s current exhibition, Crafting Life: Stories from the Japanese Studio, featuring the works of three Japanese artists, including the ceramics of Yukiko Tsuchiya.
This is a rare opportunity to see a respected Japanese craft practitioner at work. Join us to hear how ceramic production in Japan, by valuing the knowledge underpinning its traditions, has ensured its continued relevance in the contemporary world.
The in-person talk event will also be available to view online via livestream on the JPF Sydney Facebook page.
About the Speakers
Yukiko Tsuchiya 土屋由紀子
Artist
Yukiko Tsuchiya (b.1971) is a potter born in the coastal city of Karatsu on the south island of Kyushu, a location famous for ceramic production since the late 16th century. Encouraged since childhood by her father, Yukiko had an early interest in ceramics but only pursued it in earnest after graduating from Kyushu Industrial University with a degree in design. Reluctant to leave her hometown to pursue a career in fashion, she decided on ceramics. After training in the renowned Nakazato kiln, she established ‘Yukiko kiln’ in 2002 and began exhibiting in galleries around the country. She is now considered one of the most exciting young Karatsu ceramicists.
Kathryn Hunyor
Curator
Kathryn Hunyor is a Japanese-speaking curator, consultant, and speaker specialising in contemporary art projects across Sydney, Tokyo, and beyond. She collaborates with artists and presenters while consulting for major Australian arts organizations, including the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Sydney Opera House. As Head of International Tours at the Art Gallery of NSW and a regular lecturer on Japanese art and culture, Kathryn brings deep expertise to her work. Formerly Head of Creative Programs at the Australian Design Centre, she led the center’s artistic program, commissioning key curatorial and audience engagement initiatives. Her previous role as Cultural Officer at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo saw her managing Australia’s cultural diplomacy efforts in Japan. Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Asian Studies and a Master’s in Japanese Literature from the University of Sydney. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD at the University of Technology Sydney, researching the relationship between art and business in Japan from 1900 to 2030.
Rina Bernabei
Exhibition Designer
Rina Bernabei is a designer, ceramicist, academic and curator with thirty years design experience. She has worked in studios in Sydney and Milan and collaborated with architects and the design industry on custom projects. In 2002 she co-founded interior product design company bernabeifreeman with Kelly Freeman. Their acclaimed products have won numerous awards and feature in journals and exhibitions both locally and internationally. She has also curated exhibitions with the Australian Design Centre, Artspeople and independent art galleries. Rina has a long relationship with Japan, since first exhibiting there in the 1990s. Since 2020 she has been collaborating with Kyushu University and artisan ceramic studios in Arita. She currently has a collection of tableware in production in Arita, as well as other ceramic products selling in Tokyo. Rina is an academic with the Faculty of the Built Environment UNSW, where she teaches and publishes research in the field of emotional design.
Examples of Tsuchiya’s Work
About The Exhibition
Crafting Life: Stories from the Japanese Studio is an exhibition that explores Japanese craft from a fresh perspective. Showcasing three craft practices from different regions of Japan, this exhibition highlights the dynamism and resilience of artisans, who continually innovate to ensure the relevance of their craft practices in contemporary Japan, and beyond. On display are works by a ceramic artist from Karatsu (Yukiko Tsuchiya), a maki-e lacquerware company originally from Wajima, now based in Kanazawa (Hikoju Maki-e Co. Ltd.), and a sashiko needlework collective turned ‘brand’ from Ōtsuchi (Ōtsuchi Sashiko).
CLICK HERE for more information on the exhibition
EVENT DETAILS
August 24, 2025 (Sunday)
2pm – 3:30pm AEST
60min talk + 30min Q&A
Bookings not required
IN-PERSON VENUE
The Japan Foundation, Sydney
Level 4, Central Park
28 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008
ONLINE VENUE
JPF Sydney Facebook
Bookings and Facebook account not required to watch
ENQUIRIES
(02) 8239 0055
Header Image: Docqment Photography
Presented by
Supported by
