Behind the wheel

Ceramics enthusiasts to gather in Waimanalo for a popular annual glazing event

Ceramist Daven Hee has moved past the stage of creating symmetrical, colossal forms. To him, making identical, perfectly formed cylinders and spirals is the opposite of true beauty, which he finds, instead, in imperfection. It's an aesthetic known in Japan as wabi sabi. To Hee, a pot isn't perfect unless there's a visible sign of a human blunder: slip oozing out of creases, marks left by a fingertip.

Raku Hoolaulea 2007 Presented by Hawaii Craftsmen Place: Waimanalo Bay Beach Park Time: 7 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. June 1, 2 and 3 Call: 521-3282

While his current style could be characterized as carefree, he didn't always feel that way. As an undergraduate at the University of Hawaii-Manoa, Hee spent 10 to 15 hours a day on a wheel, holed up in the ceramics studio, learning how to be technically exacting. He spent so much time in the studio, teachers would lock the doors, turning him out after hours. Hee's answer was to simply find a new entrance and sneak back in.

"I never thought I was as good at it as everyone else," said Hee. "I just gave it my all and practiced."

Making pots since 1995, Hee is now a well-regarded ceramics teacher at UH, Mid-Pacific Institute and the Hawaii Potters Guild. The bond he formed in school with his teachers, assistants and other students played a part in his commitment to ceramics, outweighing his interest in more solitary forms of expression such as drawing or painting.

"A lot of ceramics is about competition and camaraderie, who can make the best pot," said Hee. "But along with competition, you share ideas, and people are willing to teach you."

It's the same spirit of community that can be found at HPG, among the pottery wheels.

"There's a lot of sharing of techniques," said Queenie Kwock, who has been a member for more than 30 years. "I can't get enough of it. I just enjoy the process of making pots."

In 2004 a core group of members each contributed $2,000 for needed renovations at HPG. A nonprofit organization founded by a group of ceramists in 1967, the studio has seen its share of artists and hobbyists over the years. Currently, about 75 students are enrolled in classes at the Moiliili studio, and several members of HPG will take part in the weekend glazing event, Raku Hoolaulea 2007.

"Pottery is magical, but it's taken me a long time," said Sharon Nishi. "The initial class was frustrating. I quit once, but made up my mind I was going to do it. ... It's fun and social. I have a wheel at home, but it's lonesome."

"You're drawn in by people. People are very friendly and encouraging," echoed Shelle Avecilla.

"You're learning a skill no one needs anymore," said Hee. "A machine can make it better, faster. ... No one really needs to pay $75 for a bowl to eat out of. You buy a plate and it goes on a shelf."

But there are enough people interested in ceramics to keep the Raku Hoolaulea going over the past 31 years. Once again, assorted artist groups will camp out for three nights, firing pots beachside from nearly dawn to dusk, comparing and praising each other's efforts in pursuit of that perfect -- or not so perfect -- vessel or finish.