Meet: Naekobo, Ceramicist

Hackney-based ceramicist Naemi Miyazu creates soft, organically inspired pieces which focus on the beauty in irregularity. Merging her Swedish upbringing with her Indian-Japanese heritage, she brings a diverse cultural context to her work with a strong focus on both aesthetics and functionality. We caught up with her at her studio in East London.

Tell us a little bit about your journey and what it took to become a professional ceramicist?

I used to work as a product developer in the fashion industry, but my background is in bespoke tailoring and design, and I’ve always been a hands-on craftsperson. As a PD there’s a lot of visualisation - from 2D to 3D, and going into the nitty gritty of construction and finishings, joining parts together into a harmonious whole, finding a sweet spot balance between function and form, an approach that still is prevalent in the way I work. As I mainly worked with CAD I yearned to once again create with my hands. It started as a side gig, that seamlessly over time turned full-time, but not without vigorous practice, love and dedication to the craft. I paused my life in London and moved to Japan for a couple of years where I got involved in a ceramic collective, this is where it all started - I had my first exhibition, and I have since dedicated myself to ceramics. 

What’s a typical day in the life of Naekobo?

If I plan to make that day, I’d start with reviewing my designs, weighing out my clay and then wedge them up - I usually mix my clays in a specific ratio of dark and light stoneware depending on what colours clay body I’d go for. I set up my throwing area, put on a good tune/podcast and then I throw for the day. Wrapping and unwrapping pieces would follow, depending on when I plan to trim. Everything follows a schedule of designing, throwing, trimming, bisque firing and glaze firing, as well as other essential parts such as being a chemist for a day or two experimenting and mixing up my glazes. 

What is it about the medium of ceramics that drew you in?

The mouldable characteristics of clay, and the possibility for endless designs, shapes and forms, all from just a lump of clay which is incredible. The process itself and the transformation throughout the stages are intricate and truly magical. Working on the wheel requires body awareness and controlled movements, knowing your material, gravity, speed, and precision, all together - body, mind and the clay. 

What do you like most about your job? And what have you learnt from it?

The state of mind when making, and being hands-on in the process from beginning to end. I love the tactile feeling of clay and as it takes shape as it passes through my hands, then from mine to someone else’s as a finished piece, perhaps to use every day. I love the technical challenges that come with ceramics, and the feeling of excitement when opening the kiln! From working with clay I’ve learnt new depths of patience and perseverance, and the value of simplicity. 

What or who inspires you?

I get inspired by textures, silhouettes, movement, the continuity of shapes and curvatures seen around us, and the functionality aspect that frames everything. Being half Japanese half Indian, and raised in Sweden, Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics naturally have an imprint in all my work. 

Quick-Fire Four:

Favourite spot in London? Around the corner from where I live is an Italian run cafe - Wilton Way Deli & Wines, love going there on a sunny day for a coffee or a drink

What book, podcast, or tv show are you currently enjoying? 

Reading Mishima’s trilogy at the moment

Which artist or maker are you loving at the moment?

Woodwork by Ash and Plumb - absolutely stunning 

And lastly your favourite Pophams pastry?

The ham and cheese croissant!