Meet Chyako Hashimoto | Artist, Potter, Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chyako Hashimoto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chyako, what makes you happy? Why?
I feel happy when I’m throwing pots on the wheel… Something about that experience always centers me and reminds me why I do what I do. I also feel happy when I’m teaching. I find it gratifying and energizing to be able to participate in people’s learning process and witnessing their joys. I particularly like teaching beginners because I love seeing all the initial discoveries they make. I believe it’s one of the richest times in the entire journey as a potter, and I love helping people with that.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m an owner of YUNOMI Pottery Studio. I’m proud of the fact that I can provide an intimate and unique learning environment /experience for people through this studio. I only take six people in class at a time. I aim towards quality instructions that lead to good foundations in ceramics. My instructions also are geared towards personal growth through learning new skills. I integrate guided mindfulness meditation in the beginning of the class to center ourselves and make a break from the busy day. I use what we encounter in the process of pottery making as a metaphor of life. There’s so much that clay can teach us. I keep my business small, personal, and relationship oriented. I believe these goals make it unique in the modern world and sets it apart from the normal business goals that often centers around the maximization of the profit and not the quality of experience.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Smiley Building where my studio is located is a hub for the creatives and non-profits. It has a cafe and is a great place to hang out. I like Sage Fresh Eats for good healthy meals for reasonable prices. I like Still Life Cafe for tea/coffee for a good sitting/visiting environment and relaxing vibe. If you want to go to a gym, I recommend Catacombs Fitness Collective. They have an excellent facility, friendly and competent staff, and great community. There’re great hiking trails all around town and in the mountains. Creative District has an office on the Main Street, and they can direct you to anything art related in town.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Fort Lewis College for having a great Japan program that allowed me to come to the US and earn a bachelor’s degree that included a solid education in ceramics even though I wasn’t an art major. Late David Hunt, the professor of Fine Art at FLC, for mentoring me and instilling the love of ceramics. Laloba Ranch Clay Center (no longer operating) and Biz Littell and Judy Day for mentoring me and giving me the opportunity to be and the Artist in Residence for several summers, and assist their workshops taught by nationally know potters. And last but not least, my ex-husband, Colin Smith, who has supported me throughout the years to follow my bliss and walk my own path.

Website: https://yunomipotterystudio.com

Instagram: @yunomipottery

Image Credits
Caleb Thal @caleb_thal