Kawara

Kawara are traditional Japanese roof tiles made from fired clay, commonly seen on temples, shrines, castles, and traditional homes. They have been used for centuries, not only for their durability and weather resistance but also for their cultural and aesthetic significance. They also often feature decorative end caps called onigawara, which may be shaped like demons, animals, or floral patterns believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the building. Shooshie’s fascination for this material started during her decade long residency in Onomichi where her interest in vernacular architecture expanded, seeing their value as part of inherited knowledge systems. Representative of Japanese architecture, Kawara roof tiles embody the enduring craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.

Together with her long-time collaborator, Tamaki Ono, Shooshie's fascination with Kawara as a material has extended into transforming it into paint pigment. Alongside other unconventional materials she explores, this ongoing project reflects her long-standing pursuit of alternative methods for creating paint from natural sources.