Hayashi Kaku

Born 1953, Taiwan
 

Hayashi Kaku exploits the malleability of clay to express her ideas through a dynamic series of sculptural works that are inspired by Zen philosophy as well as the elemental forces of nature. Most recently she has drawn reference from the powerful and ever-changing landscape of the majestic Kegon waterfall near her home and studio in Tochigi Prefecture. A graduate of Tokyo University of the Arts and student under Living National Treasure Fujimoto Yoshimichi (Nōdō) (1919-92), Hayashi explores the very essence of clay by challenging its flexibility, forcing it to conform to her direction in a time-consuming, physically demanding hand-building process complemented by a rich and varied repertoire of glazes that enhance these dramatic forms.

Selected Public Collections:

Anadolu University, Turkey
Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, CA
Cincinnati Art Museum, OH
Crow Museum of Asian Art, University of Texas, Dallas, TX
Hagamachi (Haga Town) Town Center, Japan
Hubei Institute of Fine Arts, China
Ishimaki City Collection, Japan
Jichi Medical University, Children’s Medical Center, Shimotsuke, Japan
Kamakura City Collection, Japan
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), CA
Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami, FL
Museum of Contemporary Ceramic Art, Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park, Japan
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA
Portland Museum of Art, OR
Samuel P. Harn Art Museum, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Social Welfare Organization Saiseikai Imperial Gift Foundation, Inc., Utsunomiya Hospital, Japan
Utsunomiya City Hokyo Ward Civic Center, Japan
Utsunomiya City Yokokawa Area Civic Center, Japan
Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, MA