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Journal

Corners of Our Home: Kitchen Shelf

Written by Angélique Chmielewski
In our kitchen we have all kinds of shelves. Open shelves, closed cabinets, and a wire wall system with thin rails and small movable racks. The latter shelf gets used more than any other. Between the four of us, we probably reach for something on it a couple dozen times a day. Cups, bibs, cloths, spoons, plates, teapots. It was never meant to be anything special...
up-close image of futon by Iwata

Futon Making at Iwata | Video

Written by Angélique Chmielewski

We wanted to share this beautiful video from the Iwata atelier as we draw nearer to our upcoming exhibition of Iwata and their new line, Nezen. Iwata began as a futon maker in Kyoto in 1830 and continues to produce bedding using natural materials chosen for breathability, temperature regulation, and…

A tabletop showing a wooden boat stationary holder by Ryuji Mitani and displaying Mitani writing on paper in the back

At Home with Ryuji Mitani – Containers for Daily Life

Written by Ryuji Mitani

For our Contained Vessels exhibition, we asked Ryuji Mitani to share his thoughts on the containers that accompany everyday life. His reflections remind us that daily rituals are shaped not by grand objects, but by small gestures such as pouring tea, serving breakfast, storing letters, keeping tools close at hand. Below, in his own words, are the intentions behind a selection of pieces…

Ryuji Mitani sitting in a chair holding his dog and staring out a large window door.

Contained Vessels – Crafting Daily Rituals | Exhibition Opening Remarks

Written by Ryuji Mitani

In museums, the crafts most often celebrated have been grand pieces: imposing jars, large plates, matcha bowls, lacquer boxes inlaid with mother-of-pearl. They astonish with their technique and carry the weight of history. Of course, they deserve to be admired and spoken about. Yet when I looked around my own life, I realized how far away…

Ten Years

Ten Years

Written by Angélique Chmielewski

Ten years ago, we opened our doors on 2 Extra Place with a handful of pieces we loved and the hope that a gallery could also be a space for connection. Since then, we’ve grown slowly and steadily. Not chasing momentum, just following what felt right and…

Earth and Ember | Exhibition Recap

Earth and Ember | Exhibition Recap

Written by Angélique Chmielewski

Earth and Ember was a rare opportunity to experience Keisuke Iwata’s work in person, marking his first solo exhibition in America. The show brought together his anagama pieces alongside a broad collection of daily tableware, each reflecting the quiet depth of his craftsmanship…

Anagama: The Intersection of Predictions and Wonders

Anagama: The Intersection of Predictions and Wonders

Written by Aya Nihei

When I first heard the term “Anagama,” I actually didn’t know what it was. It’s a wood-fired kiln used to fire pottery—that’s all I knew. I had also heard that the interaction between flames and ash creates unique expressions…

Earth and Ember | Exhibition Opening Remarks

Earth and Ember | Exhibition Opening Remarks

Written by Keisuke Iwata

As a child, I followed Popeye’s example and ate plenty of spinach. In the town where I grew up, there were no telephone booths, so I would hide in the storeroom, imagining myself soaring…

Keisuke Iwata | Studio Visit

Keisuke Iwata | Studio Visit

Written by Angélique Chmielewski

In the quaint fisherman town of Fukutsu, Japan, nestled along the shoreline of the Sea of Japan, we had the rare opportunity to visit the home studio of the celebrated ceramic artist…

Casting Light | Exhibition Recap

Casting Light | Exhibition Recap

Written by Stevenson Aung

Setting up Casting Light was a thrilling challenge for us, as it involved showcasing over 35 pendant lights in a minimalist yet striking arrangement. Tobimatsu Toki joined us from Tokyo, personally assisting with the installation and attending…

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