Mizuyo is a ceramicist and kintsugi repairer based in London and has owned a tokyobike for around 15 years. We caught up with her at her workshop in East London to chat a little about work and life.

Q Tell us a bit about what you do and what inspires your work?

I'm both a ceramicist and the owner of TOKOBO, a pottery workshop. I found pottery when I was studying English in London. Before that, I was caught up in the daily routine of work and never really had time to do such a thing. Then when I started living here, probably I was grappling with language barriers and the clay offered a kind of therapy and a way of self-expression. Inspiration for my work stems a lot from ancient pottery. I also love the simplicity of everyday products. Living in London grants me access to many museums, which evokes my curiosity. My aim is to make pieces that embody beauty and harmony both through ceramic work and kintsugi practice.

Q. Where's home and what are the places and spaces that make you happy?

I live in Clapton, so my commute is through London Fields, which is lovely and where I can sense the seasons changing. I used to live right next to the park about 15 years ago and it was rough, there were shootings and car chases (in London Fields) and only Staffies. Now I see all sorts of friendly dogs (by the way there are friendly Staffies too but you know what I mean!) and beautiful meadows. I enjoy seeing these changes too. What makes me happy? Sourdough from E5, coffee from Arabica, Udon from Koya... I love cycling along the canal too. I went mudlarking during the pandemic all the way down to Wapping, which is a good memory. I sometimes cycle to the Angel too, with a coffee stop at Towpath cafe. 

Q. What does cycling mean for you and where do you like to ride?

I love the C27 route which takes you along beautiful streets with cherry blossom in De Beauvoir. I love crossing bridges. The bridges in London have different styles, history and are beautiful in their own right. I love the views from those bridges too.

Cycling enables me to find little narrow streets that I would have never known if I was using buses. I don't like wasting my time waiting for them and it is often quicker with a bicycle. The city is not so hilly, so it is perfect for cycling.

Born and growing up in the countryside in Japan, cycling was the only way of getting places. So, it is a definitely a tool in that sense, but I like the fact that it is not too fast. I like the fact that I am using my body and energy directly to move this thing. It feels very similar to working with clay. I like the directness.