Mariko Swisher

1957 Born Sendai, Japan

EDUCATION

1965-1971 Tohoku Shoudo, Calligraphy School Classes, Sendai, Japan

1980 Toyoko Kobayashi Kimono School, Fukushima, Japan

1988 Jiyoumiyo Shoudo Gakka, calligraphy school classes with Zen Master, Jiyoumiyo, New York, New York

1988 Koyo Ceramics School, New York, New York

1989-1991 Greenwich House Pottery School, New York, New York

1992 Skyland Workshops, Belvidere, New Jersey

1994 92nd St. Y Ceramics Studio, New York, New York

Mariko Swisher creates her wheel thrown and hand built pieces using white earthenware and terracotta. The surfaces are brush glazed and sgraffito carved. Geometric patterns are accented with flowing organic line and color.

Swisher is a licensed calligrapher, kimono, and tea enthusiast. She began her ceramics study in Japan. After arriving in New York City Swisher studied ceramics at Greenwich House Pottery, seminars at the 92nd Street Y, and the Skylands, NJ workshops, where she met and studied with Akio Takamori, Don Reitz, Peter Voulkos, and Rudy Autio.

  While Mariko Swisher’s work is inspired by ancient and ethnic cultures, her intricately glazed surfaces convey themes from nature developed from her notes and drawing.