Cleaning out an old draw, I found a misplaced ring, the first I ever made over 10 years ago as a senior in High School in Ki Nimori’s Metal Working and Jewelry class.

A stereotypical Karate-Kid Miyagi-san type of teacher - I remember he snapped fingers, scolded with questions and practiced karate before throwing pottery.  He was a master ceramist  and teacher. He taught for 40 years at the American School In Japan, and I was lucky to have taken one of his classes.

While I wouldn’t say he was the most important teacher in my high school experience, looking back I can’t but help think that the ring is a good reflection of who I am (and I think he would be pleased with this even if its aesthetic and craft are amateur). A mix of alloys, dimpled, scoffed, yet durable and quietly gleaming.  The ring is a bronze, silver, iron mix of residue alloys made from old student wastes, flattened into a flat sheet, welded together and dimpled with tools. It still slides on perfectly and shines in silver and bronze streaks.

Read an interview with Ki Nomori

Another ASIJ Alum Gordon Scott shares more Ki Nomori’s influence on his professional work

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Dennis Hoekstra, shares a quick preview of his new work - all painted false textures.  His last work was at part of the “Black Acid Co-op” @ Deitch Projects in NYC.  The Peeling paint one is promising.