Richard Rowland

Ahikaaroa

December 9, 2023 - January 9, 2024

Artist's Statement

The ceramic work in this exhibit was fired in an anagama named Ahikaaroa, meaning fire from long ago. It was gifted that name by a delegation of Maori clay artists who traveled from Aotearoa (New Zealand) in 2018. I have worked with these artists in Aotearoa, here in Astoria, and at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington.

My studies in ceramics have also taken me to Japan, Australia, Tasmania, and to Hawaii, where I was born. My mother was Hawaiian, born in Kalaupapa, Molokai, and most of my relatives were scattered throughout the Islands, including on Maui, Lahaina. I have always followed my cultural kuleana (responsibilities), which is directing and inspiring me to make work that my ancestors continue to guide and give voice to. In this process of best practices, I collaborate with my community to create work that can connect and educate people to find real value in the Arts.

The anagama process takes months of preparation, requiring the gathering of many cords of wood to split, dry, and stack, to set the stage for a week-long firing. I am extremely fortunate to work with a very talented group of artists, neighbors, and community members who are willing to be attentive and mindful, which is required for the challenging process of creating some sense of order to the magical chaos. 
It is a privilege to work with everyone to fire such a kiln. Creating art from mud strengthens my na’au (heart, gut) and my ‘uhana (spirit).

Richard Rowland