The Broken Bowl Project: Kintsugi art for healing, inspiration and unity.
The Broken Bowl Project is the result of a collaboration between Kintsugi Gifts and local potter and artisan, Brian Ohlsen.
Brian hand throws and glazes each piece, then fires them in the Japanese-inspired style of Raku. This method involves removing the items from the kiln when they are red hot and placing them into containers with combustible material. This final round of flame and smoke result in pieces each unique in color and style. Next, he carefully breaks each piece, then closely follows the traditional Japanese Kintsugi mending process, using Japanese imported powdered metals and a specially mixed epoxy (instead of the traditional highly toxic urushi lacquer) to create the final one-of-a-kind work of art.
Raku means "comfort" or "ease" and is derived from Jurakudai, the name of a palace in Kyoto. Kintsugi means “to mend with gold” so that the piece is more beautiful for being broken. Our Kintsugi bowls are meant to symbolize that when our ease is interrupted by trauma or pain, we can mend and bring ourselves back to beauty, often with spectacular results. And much like the human race, no two pieces are ever the same.
10% of the profits from our pieces are being donated to two deserving charities:
The National Children's Cancer Society-Their mission is to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families worldwide. This highly rated charity has provided more than $49 million in program distributions to assist the families of more than 26,000 children, and provided supplemental assistance through educational programs and publications to thousands more. The N.C.C.S. works with more than 200 hospitals and pediatric oncology units throughout the United States.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention-This highly rated national charity works to understand and prevent suicide by supporting research looking at the causes of suicide, helping those who have suicidal thoughts or those who have lost someone to suicide, and working with federal and state government on policies to prevent suicide and care for those at risk.
Because of the metal component of these items, they are meant for display only and cannot be used for food purposes.
We create artwork to inspire, help and maybe bring a little hope to our friends around the world. We have many 5-star reviews from around the world that can attest to our attention to detail and packaging. You can read them in the reviews section.
For more information on artisan Brian Ohlsen, visit http://www.ohlsenclayworks.com