Akio Takamori passed away last month in Seattle. I had recently discovered his work and posted a few photos on Instagram last fall.

Akio Takamori was a talented ceramic artist. Born and raised in Japan, he lived in Seattle where he was a art professor at the University of Washington. He had exhibitions all over the world but worked in his studio here, in Seattle.

You may have seen see some of his arts at the Seattle Art Museum, in Seattle galleries, and on the Seattle’s streets.

Here on Westlake avenue:
“Young Woman, Girl and Mother and Child” 2006 – Three Painted Cast aluminum sculptures – Collection Vulcan, Inc. Seattle, WA

Here at the Seattle Art Museum:

Girl in Dress, Male Student, and Middle Aged Man – 1999 – Stoneware with underglaze

SAM: “These figures come from an ensemble depicting a Japanese village street scene. Villagers were drawn from childhood memories of the hopes and fears of people in his hometown as they struggled to rebuild in the aftermath of World War II.”

Upcoming New Exhibit: Takamori’s Apology, a series of drawings and sculptures of men apologizing, will be shown at James Harris Gallery on February 16 (604 2nd Ave – Seattle, WA 98104)