In the single story atelier that Mineko Nishimura shares with Yamato Kobayashi, little spaces of beauty stand out. Just across from the deep genkan (lobby) for changing shoes, flowers arranged in a ceramic jug welcome the visitor. Making these accompaniments to life, is what initially drew Nishimura to ceramics. Her first interest was to go one step further in food presentation, and to make the plate on which her dishes were served. Recently her focus is tea. ___Time for tea is a moment to breathe within a busy day___ I like this time and I felt wanted to make something for it__�. Nishimura__þs aim of achieving the right item for a moment, contrasts with the length of time it takes to complete her work. Originally a student in glaze, to arrive at the feel and shade that she aspires to is no simple matter. ___I spent six months working on each, and I am not sure how many test pieces I have___ it__þs still not quite perfection__�. Within the boxes and fragments that pile up in the atelier, and the hours spent to perfect her craft; the plump, elegant forms of Nishimura__þs work offer moments to feel a sense of calm.
