City by the Sea Ceramics: Pottery by Karen Mahoney

As the days continue since the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, many projects have grown to help the people affected. The images we have seen are devastating and touch us, urging us to help those who are experiencing what we cannot imagine. Many have helped Red Cross, auctions like Handmade for Japan have been organized, people have joined forces to help animals, even my favorite band, Phish, is releasing a show they played in Japan with all proceeds going towards relief. People are finding ways that are close to them to help, and I have found a cause close to me. 

I came across the Mashiko Potters Fund, or MPF, through email from Pucker Gallery in Boston. Click on the image to zoom into a larger version. 

After reading the email I knew immediately I wanted to help the MPF, organized by potter Ken Matsuzaki and the Mayor of Mashiko. Before I had heard of the MPF I had seen images of magnificent kilns crumbled and amazing pots destroyed. As a potter who has been so influenced by Japanese potters, these pictures struck a chord with me. Mashiko in particular has been the home to two of my favorite potters, Shoji Hamada and Tatsuzo Shimaoka, and has been the place that so many pots I love were made. The village is filled with so many potters and so much history. To think of it coming to and end, the potters losing their livelihoods, and the kilns not being rebuilt is terrible and sad. I want to help this village continue on with what they do so wonderfully. 

I donated 50% of my sales through April 30 to the MPF, and I continue to spread the word and accept any donations I can. 

How you can help:
-donate to MPF yourself
-share on facebook
-share on twitter
-share on your blog
-email your friends
-spread the word any way you can