Kate and Will Jacobson have been collaborating artists since 1979 and are widely recognized as the originators of Naked Raku, a firing technique that reveals the unadorned, earthly beauty of clay. Another innovative method the pair is known for is using colored mica and terra sigilatta to achieve a shimmering luster.
Kate and Will Jacobson have been collaborating artists since 1979 and are widely recognized as the originators of Naked Raku, a firing technique that reveals the unadorned, earthly beauty of clay. Another innovative method the pair is known for is using colored mica and terra sigilatta to achieve a shimmering luster.
Kate and Will’s work has been exhibited throughout the world, won numerous awards and is included in many corporate, private and public collections. They most recently were honored by the Hawaii State Foundation for Culture and Arts with two Recognition Awards from the “Through the Artist’s Eyes” exhibition at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Two of their pieces inspired by the alala, or Hawaiian crow, are recommended for purchase for the state’s permanent collection.
Kate and Will recently took some time to tell Big Island Entertainment Scene about their artwork.
Q: How do you describe your artwork to people, and what makes it unique?
A: “We are widely known as the innovators of Naked Raku and Mica Infusion. These are two bare clay surface techniques. We continually enjoy experimenting with fire and clay.”
Q: What do you hope to capture and share with your artwork?
A: “Our open-air studio is on a one-lane country road and graced by a huge mango tree and an abundance of tropical flowers. We enjoy a sweeping ocean view and this quiet natural environment is evident in our work. Our current body of work is inspired by the concept of ‘Pacific Rim.’ Hawaii is a very elemental island with trembling blue horizons, slowly creeping rivers of lava and starry, starry night skies. There is a continual awareness and respect for the fierce power and tender fragility of life. When you look at our art, you get a glimpse into our world filled with wonder and awe. Hawaii is the most geographically isolated place on Earth and we are continually conscious of the life-sustaining gifts of the ocean. It awakens our mind, strengthens our body and nurtures our soul.”
Q: How do you hope your pieces make people feel? What emotions do you hope it invokes for people?
A: “Our approach to art making is much more intuitive than pragmatic. Rather than being representational, we attempt to create a dreamlike quality evoking a nostalgic, emotional response.”
Q: When did you begin working in ceramics, and then the collaboration. And, how have you both evolved artistically since?
A: “We’ve been collaborating artists since 1979. Each piece has influences from both of us and we feel the result is oftentimes better than what we create individually. We pass a piece of work back and forth so many times that it’s impossible to separate one element from another. We are truly grateful for the trusting and respectful relationship that allows us to work together.”
Q: Why ceramics? Why is that your artistic passion?
A: “For both of us, the first time we touched clay, we felt an immediate connection to the material. It was a sensual, tactile, intuitive, healing experience that we still enjoy, and in fact, need, to keep us centered and happy.”
Q: Do you think more people should be involved in the arts?
A: “Everyone has a responsibility to listen and see the world with an open mind, challenge our assumptions, imagine what could be, and communicate that truth. This is essentially what artists practice every day. If more people developed their creative, complex problem solving skills and expressed their interpretations, we’d have fewer fear based decisions and a more open, just society.”
Keep up with the latest from the Jacobsons at JacobsonArtStudio.com.