Hiroko Mita learned pottery-making techniques from Master potter Dr. Iskandar Jalil when she was a museum docent at the Singapore Art Museum and National Museum of Singapore. Her pottery journey began at Jalan Bahar Clay Studios (JBCS) in 2006 and continued with Dr. Iskandar Jalil at the Malay Heritage Centre and Temasek Potters Clay Studio. In 2012, she set up her own studio at JBCS. Her works are inspired by nature, music and the people around her, reflecting the influence of Japanese culture, her study of fine art and graphic design in Japan and America, and lastly, her life in Singapore since 1996.
Hiroko’s works are inspired by nature, music and the people around her reflecting influences of Japanese culture, her study of fine art and graphic design in Japan (1986-1991) and America (1991-1994), as well as life in Singapore since 1996.
The pieces she creates, in various forms and shapes, both functional and non-functional, are fired till 1300°C in the gas kiln. She uses local clay as slip and glaze on her work, or ash from Guan Huat Dragon Kiln – one of the last two remaining dragon kilns in Singapore where JBCS is located – for her ash glaze recipe, to convey her respect to the people, and the land of Singapore where she has lived for 20 years.
In 2015, she was appointed by ROHEI Corporation as an instructor specializing in their Artisan Series where she aligns pottery to clients’ objectives and goals. Some of the organizations she has served in this series include OCBC, Berkshire Hathaway and Nanyang Technological University. Hiroko was recommended to be a member of the Ceramic Art Foundation, Japan in 2016. She is married to a Chinese Singaporean. They have three children: two sons and one daughter.
When I first participated in the exhibition “Tribute to Local Clay” that organized by Maya Gallery in 2015, I created one of my signature works, Line Series that express ‘Unity, Harmony and Diversity’. I would like to submit the Line Series that continues to evolve again this time. I also add Singapore local clay to my work to convey my respect for the people and land where I call home.
Huu Nghi: Singapore & Vietnam 50-10 Exhibition
“These ceramic artworks presents an intricate strand of clay representing the different people, corporations, and organisations. All are unique in race, religion, culture, age and gender. Each strand plays a part, together they create many shapes and ascend to greater heights in unison. Like an orchestra performing, each instrument creates different sound and tune. On their own, they produce beautiful music. When combined together they become a masterpiece, dynamic and magnificent. The works represents unity, as each line intertwines harmoniously, as they overcome challenges and achieve great heights for the two Nations of Vietnam and Singapore for many generations to come.”
