BY KAREN BOSSICK

EDITOR'S NOTE: This talk has been postponed, probably to early March, due to rising COVID numbers.

Parttime Ketchum resident Henry Whiting first became interested in Frank Lloyd Wright architecture—a passion that prompted him to purchase Wright’s only Idaho home—Teater’s Knoll near Bliss.

Now, attracted to the shared aesthetics of Frank Lloyd Wright and Japanese ceramics, Whiting has begun to the fill Teater’s Knoll with ceramics by Shiro Tsujimura.

Tsujimura’s tea bowls reflect centuries-old Japanese traditions with a decidedly contemporary approach. Tsujimura tried his hand at oil painting early on but became disillusioned with the process and switched directions, becoming known as a master of pottery.

He is considered one of the most gifted potters in Japan today with every element of his teabowls meant to be noticed as they nestle into two hands for tea drinking.

Learn more as Whiting converses with Shoko Aono, a New York gallery director who represents Tsujimura and is an expert in Japanese art, culture and ceramics.

The two will have their conversation at 6 p.m. Thursday. Jan. 20, in the Lecture Hall at The Community Library. Seating is limited so pre-registration is recommended by calling the Museum at 208-726-9491 or emailing https://svmoa.org/events/lectures-talks/2022-01-20/art-talk-on-the-japanese-teabowl-tradition

Proof of vaccination will be required and attendees will be asked to wear a mask.

The discussion will also be livestreamed on Vimeo at  https://vimeo.com/661994425?mc_cid=2d2273656c&mc_eid=cbc4fe5143

The lecture is part of the Sun Valley Museum of Art’s new “Wabi Sabi” exhibition due to open Friday, Jan. 14. The exhibition, which runs through March 26, features the work of four artists, including Shiro Tsujimura, who approach their work from the concepts of wabi sabi.

“Wabi” translates as incomplete or imperfect and refers to the beauty found in asymmetric, simple forms. “Sabi” describes the enhancements of aging, irregularity and the impermanence of all things.