About

Eri Sugimoto is a ceramic artist, who was born in Tokyo and raised in Yokohama, Japan. In her final year as an art history student at university, she decided to enroll in a design school, which opened the way for her creativity.  

Following design school, she began her career as an industrial designer. Then, she went on to complete a master’s degree in industrial design. During her stint as an industrial designer in Tokyo, she encountered the world of clay and started learning hand-building at a ceramic studio.  In 2005, Eri moved to the United States, where she learned wheel throwing. Since then, she has been enjoying exploring and challenging her creativity in her studio in Orange County, CA.

Eri uses the paper-resist technique in her ceramic work. She creates distinct paper patterns for each piece. Using the ceramic body of the piece as a canvas, she lays out these paper patterns on it. After applying the original slip or glaze-slip (which she makes) on it, she peels off the patterns. She adds the finishing touches carefully and repeatedly by hand before  both the bisque and the final firing. 

Form, pattern and texture — these are the significant elements of her work. Eri is always seeking an infinite variety of combinations of clay and slip which maximize the appeal of these elements. The asymmetry and dynamic composition in her work may have been influenced by her experience of studying Japanese Middle Age art on folding screens, ink paintings, sliding screen paintings, and illustrated scrolls in her early days as an art history student. 

2022

Best in Ceramics / Tempe Festival of the Arts Fall show, AZ

Third Place Ceramics (Spring Show) / Beverly Hills Art Show, Beverly Hills, CA

2020
Honorable Mention (Fall Show)/ Beverly Hills Art Show, Beverly Hills, CA
2019
Honorable Mention (Fall Show)/ Beverly Hills Art Show, Beverly Hills, CA
Second Place Ceramics (Spring Show) / Beverly Hills Art Show, Beverly Hills, CA
Best in Ceramics / Tempe Festival of the Arts Spring show, AZ
2018
Best in Ceramics / Tempe Festival of the Arts Fall show, AZ
Ceramic Category Award / Scottsdale Arts Festival, AZ
2017
Third Place Ceramics (Fall Show) / Beverly Hills Art Show, Beverly Hills, CA
2013
Honorable Mention (Fall Show) / Beverly Hills Art Show, Beverly Hills, CA
First Place / La Jolla Art and Wine Festival, La Jolla, CA
Honorable Mention (Spring Show) / Beverly Hills Art Show, Beverly Hills, CA
First Place Utilitarian Pottery / Indian Wells Art Festival, Indian Wells, CA
2012
First Place Ceramics (Fall Show) / Beverly Hills Art Show, Beverly Hills, CA