Hiromi Matsukawa resides in the Bizen region of Japan, yet works in the Shigaraki tradition. He said, "If you make the pots that you really want to make, those pieces at the very center of your interest, those pieces which are for you a passion -- this is the most important thing! It is fine if these works are accepted by others, but if they are not, it is still important to make them. After all, if making lots of money is the most important thing to you, then you should probably do something other than work with clay. But for me, I live for this work, it is so exciting and so moving each time I open the kiln. I live for this moment, to feel this emotion! I want to continue to make these 'works-of-my-passion' for as long as I can. It is right to do your passion while you can!"

I appreciate having the opportunity to show my works again to an American audience. I feel truly grateful to my friends who have opened this door for me, and for everyone who assists me when I fire my anagama kiln. I’m sure that I share the joy of creation with all the other participating artists. I hope that the visitors to the exhibition will be able to touch and hold my vessels. I wonder how and what my cups will be filled with.