Toshiko Takaezu: In the Stars

Towards the end of her life, artist Toshiko Takaezu (1922-2011) created a series of majestic, closed, ceramic forms – many over five feet tall – that she called the “Star Series.” State of the Arts traveled to the Racine Art Museum in Wisconsin for the first-ever exhibition of the “Star Series” (September 6, 2005 – January 8, 2006), but first met Takaezu at her home and studio in Quakertown, New Jersey. Film clips from the 1970s show Takaezu at the beginning of her influential career, which paralleled the growing importance of contemporary craft in the art world. Also included are interviews with Racine Art Museum’s curator Bruce Pepich and collector Karen Johnson Boyd.

Toshiko Takaezu’s studio in Quakertown, New Jersey is now home to the Toshiko Takaezu Foundation, and the public is invited to the Takaezu Studio for special openings and other events.

In the Stars premiered on NJN Public Television in January 2006.

Produced by Susan Wallner; Videography by Mike Budd; Narration by Amber Edwards.