BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Japanese Teabowl Tradition will be the subject of a free art talk at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, at The Community Library.

Kristin Poole, the Sun Valley Museum of Art’s artistic director will moderate a conversation between Henry Whiting, a collector of Japanese teabowls, and Shoko Aono, director of the Ippodo Gallery in New York.

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.

Aono represents Tsujimura and is an expert in Japanese art, culture and ceramics.

Though free, pre-registration is required for those wishing to attend the event in person at www.svmoa.org or 208-726-9491. 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/664874383.

The lecture is part of the Sun Valley Museum of Art’s “Wabi Sabi” exhibition, which runs through March 26. It 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.