Today we get to highlight the inspiring Noe Kuremoto of Noe Kuremoto Ceramics. Many of the photos highlighted here are from Noe’s collection called Dogu Ladies. This collection is inspired by Noe’s understanding of the strength and beauty that comes with being a mother while balancing a successful career. Her dogu ladies are inspired by the Jomon period in Japan where Dogu figurines represented a talisman for safe childbirth. More from Noe:

“My favorite aspect of my job is the making part. I am happiest when I am alone in my studio, just playing with clay. I usually don’t source inspiration first. I think of a problem which already exists in the world and I ponder how I can offer my service / solution even if that is in my tiny way. How can I bring a light to the world through my work? Usually this process becomes a story then it becomes a collection storyline. For example, my latest collection Dogu ladies. Some of the most intriguing works from the Jomon period in Japan are clay figurines called Dogu (pronounced dough-goo). They were a talisman for safe childbirth. Today I wish a safe child birth to contemporary women who are smart, hard-working, career driven who perhaps put their family planning aside for time-being. We all work so hard that we are blinded that there is a life beyond our career. We left feeling that children will be in our way of ‘success’. So these series are my contemporary interpretation of Dogu talisman. One thing I have learned from my career in ceramics is that working hard everyday wins more than natural talent.”