Life is like a labyrinth. I began my journey as an artist and designer more than 30 years ago when I made kimonos in Kyoto, Japan, using rōketsu-zome, a wax-resist dyeing technique, on silk, for the intricate and beautiful designs. When I moved to the US, my art and design took on a new form, starting in floral design in the ’90s and progressing to interior design and graphic design during the past decade. It wasn’t long ago that my creative spirit finally found its true home in ceramic art.

“Water Drop Series” emerged as a metaphor for life and the environment. It represents our physical and spiritual dependence on water. California, where I reside, has suffered from severe drought for the past several years. I was inspired by the striking blue sky with breath-taking clouds that I saw after a rainstorm in early spring. Without water, the environment depicted in “Verdant” could not exist.

I have been fascinated with labyrinths since I encountered them during my study about wayfinding in graphic design in the BFA program at Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston. I began researching labyrinths and their importance in various cultures around the world. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has a single entrance and a non-branching path that leads to the center. It represents the journey from birth to death. The twists and turns symbolize the choices we make and the struggles we endure along the way. The labyrinth is an important theme for me and a recurring motif in my work.

During my first few years in the US, I frequently traveled through the Southwest and found an instant connection with the artistry of the Native Americans of that region. Their simple geometric designs in pottery and handwoven baskets have a timeless quality that transcends cultures and calls to deeper spirituality. The influence of this art can be seen in my “Basket Series.”

I have always been drawn to the geometry of circles. Many of my designs incorporate circles into my work. This is something that I have been having a lot of fun with, experimenting with different glaze combinations. As labyrinths often do, it folds my creative path back onto the wax-resist method I had originally used on silk and now use to create designs on clay.

2023

de Young Open 2023: The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco presents this triennial juried community art exhibition. The selected artworks span various mediums and styles, showcasing the rich diversity of the Bay Area’s artistic talent. Mari’s ceramic sculpture “Celestial” was chosen for this prestigious exhibition.

Off Center: The 7th Annual International Ceramic Art Competition. Blue Line Arts, Roseville, CA. Mari’s sculptures “Celestial” and “Dynamo” have been chosen for this exhibition, and Mari was awarded 1st Place for her work “Celestial.” Selected by juror Garth Johnson, Curator of Ceramics at the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, New York.

2022

ICAN 2023 Wall Calendar winner!: “Barren” is chosen for the 2023 ICAN (International Ceramic Artists Network) Wall Calendar, Color Burst! The calendars are available now in Ceramic Arts Network Shop.

Off Center: The 6th Annual International Ceramic Art Competition. Blue Line Arts, Roseville, CA. Mari received 3rd Place for her works “Portal I” & “Portal II.” Selected by juror Rachel Gotlieb, curator of Ceramics at the Crocker Museum in Sacramento. Blue Line Arts, Roseville, CA.

ACGA Clay and Glass Festival 2022: Participating in the 27th annual ACGA (Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California) Clay and Glass Festival, Palo Alto Art Center, Palo Alto, CA.  July 9 & 10.

California Clay Competition 2022: The 31st Annual Statewide Juried Exhibition. “Barren” received the Clay People Juror’s Award! Selected by juror Heidi Bekebrede. The Artery, Davis, CA.

NCECA Gallery Expo 2022: An NCECA-organized event. Mari represented the ACGA (Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California) with 15 fellow ACGA artists at the ACGA booth. Safe Credit Union Convention Center, Sacramento, CA.

2021

ICAN 2022 Wall Calendar winner!: “Verdant” is chosen for the 2022 ICAN (International Ceramic Artist Network) Wall Calendar, Sculpture Collection, and for the cover!!! The calendars will be available soon in the Ceramic Arts Network Shop.

What Remains: ACGA (Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California) sponsored a clay & glass competition. Radius Gallery, Santa Cruz, CA. Three pieces, “Becalmed,” Silent Plea,” and “Barren,” have been accepted by juror Ann Hazels, Director of Radius Gallery.

Exhibition: August 4 – September 12
Artist Reception: Sat, Aug 21, 6–8 pm
First Fridays: August 6 & September 3, 6–9 pm
Artist Talk: Sun, August 29, 2 pm (Mari will be talking about her work!)

Workhouse Clay International 2021: The 11th Annual International Ceramic Exhibition. Workhouse Art Center, Lorton, VA. “Verdant” has been chosen by juror Kevin Snipes. August 7 – October 10, 2021.

MENAGERIE:  National”Clay Competition. Mari’s rare figurae sculpture, “Displaced,” has been selected by juror Ariel Bowman. Epperson Gallery of Ceramic Art, Crockett, CA. July 21 – September 12.

Off Center 2021: The 5th Annual International Ceramic Art Competition. Blue Line Arts, Roseville, CA. “Fate II” is selected by juror Magdolene Dykstra. May 21–July 10. The opening reception on Saturday, June 29, starts at 4 pm.

The State of Clay: The 11th Biennial Ceramic Exhibition. Lexington Arts & Craft Society, Lexington, MA. “Circle Series, Red & Black Metalic” has been chosen. Juried by Julia Galloway. May 15 – June 13, 2021. Mari’s first in-person exhibition since the pandemic!

2020

The Clay Studio National 2020: National Ceramic Exhibition. The Clay Studio, “Philadelphia, PA. “Fate” has been chosen. Juried by Lauren Sandler, Kukuli Velarde, and Sana Musasama. July 10 – August 9. Online exhibition due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

ACGA Clay and Glass Festival 2020: The 28th annual ACGA (Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California) Clay and Glass Festival, Palo Alto Art Center, Palo Alto, CA.  July 11 & 12. Canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The State of Clay: The 1st Biennial Ceramic Exhibition. LexArt, Lexington Arts & Crafts Socie”y, Lexington, MA. “Circle Series, Red & Black Metallic” was selected by juror Julia Galloway. May 16 – June 14. Postponed until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Ceramics in Focus 2020: ACGA (Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California) juried ceramic exhibition. One of 7 artists selected by juror Mary Law for this group show. Davis Arts Center, Davis, CA. April 29 – May 29. Canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Online exhibition.

California Clay Competition 2020: The 31st Annual Statewide Juried Exhibition. “Circle Series, Blue Vessel 2” has been chosen by juror Scott Parady. The Artery, Davis, CA. Canceled in-person exhibition due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Online exhibition.

What Lies Beneath: National Ceramic Surrealist Sculpture Competition. “Water Drop Series, Becalmed” is selected by juror Lisa Clague. Epperson Gallery of Ceramic Art, Crockett, CA. February 14 – March 15.

2019

ICAN 2020 Wall Calendar Winner!: “Triskelion” has been chosen for the 2022 ICAN (International Ceramic Artist Network) Wall Calendar, Surface Decoration. The calendars will be available soon in the Ceramic Arts Network Shop.

CraftForms 2019: The 25th International Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Fine Craft. Davenport Gallery, Wayne Art “enter, Wayne, PA. “Homage to the Pima I” is selected by juror Jane Milosch. December 7, 2019″February 1, 2020″

“Hong Guang Zi Qi” International Ceramic Art Cultural Exchange: Participating as one of the international guest workshop artists for 3 weeks in Yixing, China. October 17–November 5.

“Ceramics Monthly: “Circle Series, Red & Black Metallic” is featured in the Exposure section of Ceramics Monthly magazine, October 2019 issue, p.14.

Visions in Clay 2019: The 10th National Juried Ceramic Art Exhibition. LH Horton Jr Gallery, San Joaquin Delta College, Stockton, CA. “Verdant” is selected by juror Sarah Millfelt. September 5–September 27. Opening reception Thursday, September 5, 2019, from 5-7 pm.

Workhouse Clay International 2019: The 9th International Juried Ceramic Exhibition. Vulcan Gallery, Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton, VA. “Circle Series, R”d & Black Metallic” has been selected by juror Peter Beasecker. August 10–October 13. Opening reception Saturday, August 10, 2019, from 6-8 pm.

ACGA Clay and Glass Festival 2019: Participating in the 27th annual ACGA (Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California) Clay and Glass Festival, Palo Alto Art Center, Palo Alto, CA.  July 13 & 14.

Clay from ACGA: A regional ceramic art competition of ACGA (Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California). Epperson Gallery of Ceramic Art, Crockett, CA. Juried by Tony Natsoulas. “Verdant” received the “2nd Place Award.” May 10–July 7. Opening reception Saturday, May 11, 4:00-6:00 pm.

California Clay Competition 2019: The 30th Annual Statewide Juried Exhibition. The Artery, Davis, CA. “Triskelion” has been selected by juror Bill Abright. May 3–May 31. Opening reception Friday, May 3, 7-9 pm during the 31st annual ceramic conference, CCACA 2019.

Off Center 2019: The 3rd Annual International Ceramic Art Competition. Blue Line Arts, Roseville, CA. “Becalmed” was selected by juror Joshua Green. April 5–May 18. Opening reception Saturday, April 20, 5:00-8:30 pm.

Clay Matters: The National Ceramic Art Competition. Epperson Gallery of Ceramic Art, Crockett, CA. “Homage to the Pima I” has been selected by juror Beth Ann Gerstein. March 22–May 5. Opening reception Saturday, March 23, 4:00-6:00 pm.

2018

ICAN 2019 Wall Calendar: “Circle Series, Red & Black Metallic” has been chosen for the 2019 ICAN (International Ceramic Artist Network) Wall Calendar contest—Surface Decoration Collection. The calendar is available for purchase here!

Workhouse Clay International 2018: The 8th International Juried Ceramic Exhibition. Vulcan Gallery, Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton, VA. “Triskelion” has been selected by Eva Kwong. August 11–October 14. Opening reception Friday, August 10, 2018, from 7-9 pm.

ACGA Clay and Glass Festival: Accepted as a new Exhibiting Member of ACGA (Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California). Participating in the 26th annual ACGA Clay and Glass Festival, Palo Alto Art Center, Palo Alto, CA.  July 14 & 15.

“Ceramic Wall Work: “Homag to the King Minos” juried into a group exhibition. Blue Line Arts, Roseville, CA. Juried by Tony Natsoulas. June 16-July 21. Opening reception Saturday, June 16, 5:00-8:30 pm. Closing reception Saturday, July 21, 5:00-8:30 pm”

Off Center 2018: “Homage to the Pima II” juried into the 2nd Annual International Ceramic Art Competition. Blue Line Arts, Roseville, CA. Juried by Michelle Gregor. June 16-July 21. Opening reception Saturday, June 16, 5:00-8:30 pm. Closing reception Saturday, July 21, 5:00-8:30 pm.

California Clay Competition 2018: The 29th Annual Statewide Juried Exhibition. The Artery, Davis, CA. Juried by Tiffany Schmierer. “Jurney of  Life” received the Juror’s  Award, and “Labyrinthine Dream” has also been juried into. April 27-May 25. Opening reception Friday, April 27, 7-9 pm during the 30th annual ceramic conference, CCACA 2018.

ICAN 2018 Juried Show at NCECA: “Homage to the Pima I” has been chosen for the ICAN (International Ceramic Artist Network) annual juried exhibition at the 52nd NCECA (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts) conference, Pittsburgh, PA. Juried by Forrest Gard. March 14–16th. 

Fahrenheit 2018 Biennial: “Circle Series, Red & Black Metallic” has been juried into the International Juried Ceramic Exhibition. AMOCA (American Museum of Ceramic Art), Pomona, CA. Juried by Patti Warashima. March 10–July 22.

2017

Craft Forms 2017: The 23rd International Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Fine Craft. Davenport Gallery, Wayne Art “enter, Wayne, PA. “Homage to the Pima II” was chosen by juror Nora Atkinson. December 9, 2017–January 27, 2018.

ICAN 2″18 Wall Calendar: “Homage to the Poma II” is one of the winners! 2018 ICAN (International Ceramic Artist Network) Wall Calendar contest—General category. The calendar is available for purchase here!

Workhouse Clay International 2017: The 7th International Juried Ceramic Exhibition. Vulcan Gallery, Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton, VA. “Journey of Life” and “Homage to the Pima I” have been Juried by Chris Gustin. August 12–October 8.

Visions in Clay 2017: “Homage to the Pima II” has been chosen by juror John Toki. The 8th National Juried Ceramic Art Exhibition. LH Horton Jr Gallery, San Joaquin Delta College, Stockton, CA.  August 24–September 15.

Off Center 2017: International Ceramic Art Competition. Crocker Family Gallery, Blue Line Arts, Roseville, CA. “Circle Series, Red & Black Metallic” has been juried by Sandra Simon and Robert Brady. April 14–May 27.

Ceramic Innovations: International Juried Ceramics Exhibition. Davenport Gallery, Wayne Art Center, Wayne, PA. Juried by Chris Gustin. Co-Juror of Awards, Jim Lawton. Mari received her first award, “Award of Merit”!!! April 1–April 29.

2016

Plates and Totem: Mar’s bas-relief, “Destiny,” has been elected for the 6th Annual Ceramic Art Show. Crocker Family Gallery, Blue Line Arts, Roseville, CA. Juried by Tony Natsoulas. October 7–November 19.

RARE EART”: “Journey of Life” has been invited to the National Ceramics Exhibition. in the National exhibition!! Cabrillo Gallery, Cabrillo College, Aptos, CA. Juried by Kirk Delman. October 3–October 28.

Visions in Clay 2016: “Journey of Life” has been chosen for the National Ceramic Art Exhibition by Juror Liz Quackenbush. This is Mari’s debut as a ceramic artist!! LH Horton Jr Gallery, San Joaquin Delta College, Stockton, CA. August 25–September 16.