Hello!
Nice to meet you.
Studio/Office Manager and Assistant
Become a team member!
Studio manager and assistants are paid positions to manage and assist O'baware production under the direct supervision of Kazu Oba. No experience necessary but, you are expected to be enthusiastic about all aspects of ceramic studio. Our starting rate and hours are $25/hr and at least one full-day or two half days per week. $30 and above if you are providing your expertise in the areas such as production, real managing skills, glaze chemistry, engineering, mold making, photography, videography, etc. We have had several team members at $30 or more, just for your record.
Please join in our lunch program. (We take turns for cooking duties, lunch or dinner)
Office manager is wanted. Our starting rate and hours for this position are $30/hr and at least one half day per week. This position is available in the afternoons.
If interested, please send an email including a cover letter, resume, and visual samples of your ceramic work, if available.
Mentorship/Internship (formally Studio Buddy)
Join a hands-on, immersive learning experience as a student under Kazu’s guidance.
Studio Responsibilities
Afternoons (1–5 PM) are dedicated to essential studio tasks such as reclaiming clay, preparing glazes, and loading/unloading kilns.
Guided Wheel Throwing Practice
Between 5 and 7 PM, you'll have focused throwing time with Kazu, following a structured curriculum tailored to your growth.
Commitment
We ask for a minimum commitment of one day per week. If you need to miss your scheduled day, we ask that you make up the time on another day, as long as you’re in town.
Additional Notes:
This description is a starting point and can be adjusted based on your needs and abilities. Please be aware that some studio tasks require heavy lifting and working with messy materials—we embrace the creative mess!
To Apply:
Email us your cover letter, resume, and a few visual samples of your work. We’re excited to hear from you!
Two to Three months Short Term Live-in/commuting Apprenticeship 短期の住み込み修行（内弟子）
Apprenticeship?
Have you considered becoming a pro?
You might learn as much in a week at our studio as in an entire year at some teaching institutions, with absolutely no tuition to pay.
Did you know Japanese potters throw clockwise? Throwing direction is never about the potter being right-handed nor left-handed. But There is a reason.
Only serious inquiries please.
We take turns for cooking duty.
職業訓練校、陶芸作家に弟子入り、陶芸教室での勤務、などを経験し、独立への準備期間中の人。独立は成し遂げた上に、さらに広い世界を見たい人。陶芸は素人でも料理人で、料理を盛る器のことをもっと知りたい人。そんな志の高い人の参加募集。
“日本人はほぼ皆さん、時計回りでロクロを引きますよね。西洋では逆です。蹴ロクロの文化圏（私は唐津で学びました）では水引きは時計回り、削りは反時計回り。それぞれの理由を知っていますか？”
本気の人と、陶芸を超えて、食住を共にし、自分が知る限りをシェアしましょう。
パスポートと、旅行者保険だけを持って来米してください。こちらでの生活は全てお任せください。航空費用もカバーします。
興味がある人は、ご一報ください。因みに、食事は当番制です。
Contact us for any questions.