Yumiko Shimoya
Kasama, Japan

Yumiko Shimoya grew up in Tokyo and took her first pottery class at age 20, and it was an unforgettable experience where she became so completely absorbed working on the electric wheel, she didn’t even want to eat.  With a career in design, she continued to take classes, and finally in her thirties began to pursue pottery full-time.  Her seemingly simple glazes are the result of countless repeated experiments. Believing that six hours a day allows her to remain absorbed in her passion while not hurting her hands, she produces inviting timeless pieces with a pleasing texture and hue.