KAORU TOHARA

Kaoru has been teaching photography courses at Pittsburgh Filmmakers and The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and exhibiting nationally as well as internationally, which includes Tokyo, Canada, and Sweden. His photographs are silver gelatin prints and archival inkjet prints. He works in clay and modeling, which he had learned before coming to the United States.

Kaoru’s ceramics in our gallery are undoubtedly extraordinary pieces. The use of non-Western technique and aesthetics makes his works unique additions.  Organic, free-flowing designs contribute to a sense of naturalism, making the artist’s role seem almost nonexistent. Such techniques recall Japanese Shigaraki ware, which is a traditional style dating back nearly 1,250 years. Along with the hanging platter pictured above, there is also a line of matching plates on display and for sale in the gallery.