Use of amigurumi in ceramic art in the context of figurative form possibilities

Since the ancient times fired clay tools are encountered at every culture throughout history. Born out of necessity, the art of ceramics nowadays used for plastic values and cognitive factors more than functionality, giving itself a new identity. Similarly, knitting first came into existence when humanity's need for covering up arose and shaped to respond to the needs and pleasures of societies. Knitting is a easy to learn technique. It is passed through the generations in families. Everyone certainly knows someone who knows how to knit, be it a friend or a family member or a neighbor... Knitting is lovely, humane and has a wide radius of influence. Its examples can vary in different cultures, such as 'amigurumi' in Japanese culture, gaining popularity rapidly. Amigurumi consists of 'Ami' meaning knitting and 'Nuigurumi' meaning stuffed creature in Japanese. Generally most encountered examples are the toys that are antropromorphised. Amigurumi, which doesn't have a history of long standing, slowly increased in popularity into being a phenomenon since the 1950's. Hiroshima and Nagasaki disasters at the end of the World War II and losing the war itself altered Japanese Culture, caused a new cuteness (kawaii) culture to born despite all the terrible things war caused and the cruelty of life. In 1960's as Japan began to reclaim its strength 'kawaii' culture and amigurumi started to be a part of world's popular culture. In this study, it is aimed to combine the art of ceramics and amigurumi within new means of expression and vision. As a part of the thesis, with a technique that can combine knitting and ceramics, first trials are concluded and displayed in an exhibition at Anadolu University Museum of Educative Caricature. According to the feedback received from artistic field, it can be said that the technique is both intriguing and successful. Within this study, proper forms, patterns, materials and ceramic firing methods are tested to make the technique optimized as firs steps in this field. Types of amigurumi and different knitting techniques are researched. While trying compatibility of ceramic materials with different materials, the examples of other artists' works who have similar practices are evaluated in order to reinforce the project. Key Words: Ceramics, Knitting, Amigurumi, Japan, Kawaii