When Jim first visited in 1975, he travelled to Kurashiki, Tajimi, Imari, Hagi, Matsue and Kyoto to explore Japan's rich and varied ceramic traditions. This has inspired his aesthetic and functional ceramic ware ever since.

This year, he had the chance to spend time with tea masters and see Rakuzan ware in Matsue, explore Bizen ware in Kurashki and the clay textures of Shigeraki ware, enjoy the refined pottery of Kyoto and meet master potters in Hagi.

Jim was pleased to meet Kazuhiko Miwa, the 13th kyusetsu (master potter) of the Miwa clan, who shared his wonderful work, studio and garden, including two large ceramic bowl sculptures commissioned by Ferrari.

Jim has created new ceramic forms and experimented with new glazes for his upcoming 34th annual show. He has also been inspired to create abstract paintings.

The Congo Crafts exhibition opens on Sunday, December 1, from 11am-5pm, and runs daily for two weeks, except Tuesdays. Drop in at 721 Congo Road and find a useful and beautiful treasure.