Jill Fanshawe Kato, Marine House

Jill Fanshawe Kato graduated from the Chelsea School of Art initially becoming an art teacher. She then discovered Japanese ceramics and studied in Tokyo from 1973 to 1977. Studying with potter Yosei Itaka and at the Musoan School of Karatsu Pottery, Tokyo. After studying, Jill worked at the studio of Ryoji Koie in Gifu Prefecture. Jill then taught ceramics at Goldsmith’s College, London from 1977 to 1994. Jill has now established her studio in Devon, where she was brought up and finds inspiration all around her, which informs her work. “Ancient stone circles, the South West Coast Path, the red and white clays of Devon are all touch points for my work, as is growing plants and seeing birds and other wildlife from day to day. It is a real journey of discovery as one inspiration leads to another.” With 46 exhibitions in Japan including 11 solo shows, Jill has also exhibited worldwide. Pieces of her work are displayed at various museums across the world and are included in numerous international collections.