Joan Takayama-Ogawa (American, b. 1955), Tea Set

Porcelain with multi-color and luster glazes, 1990/1991, signed; a three piece set including a teapot (10 3/4 in.), teacup and saucer, and oval tray (14 1/4 x 10 3/4 in.)

City Art Gallery, Greenville, North Carolina

Joan Takayama-Ogawa is a distinguished American ceramic artist and educator known for her innovative approach to ceramic art that blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary themes. Born in Pasadena, California, and raised in a Japanese-American family, Takayama-Ogawa's heritage deeply informs her artistic vision. She pursued her undergraduate studies in geography at UCLA and later completed a master's degree in education at Stanford University. Initially trained as an educator, she transitioned into ceramics in the 1980s, enrolling at Otis College of Art and Design, where she honed her technical skills and creative voice. Her work often explores themes of cultural identity, environmental sustainability, and social commentary, utilizing techniques such as slip casting, hand building, and intricate surface decoration.

As a longtime faculty member at Otis College of Art and Design, Takayama-Ogawa has profoundly influenced the next generation of ceramic artists. Her teaching emphasizes the integration of traditional techniques with experimental practices, encouraging students to push the boundaries of the medium. Her ceramic works, which include teapots, vessels, and sculptural pieces, have been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums such as the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Takayama-Ogawa's art is celebrated for its playful yet thought-provoking aesthetic, often juxtaposing whimsical designs with serious issues like climate change and cultural preservation. Through her practice and pedagogy, she has left an indelible mark on contemporary ceramics, bridging the gap between functional craft and fine art.

Small glaze skip to tray; some minor stable crazing to glazes.