Linda Mosley - Chado and Ceramic
Linda Mosley—Chado Training
In 1968, I was deciding whether to “major” in ceramics, jewelry-making or fiber arts at the University of Illinois. I was drawn to Japanese pottery that was in tune with the nature of clay, and took a course in Japanese Arts by Shozo Sato.
Sato explained that many highly valued handmade objects are used in chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony). And he demonstrated that the act of making tea is a thoughtfully choreographed series of movements in space that could have a profound aesthetic and meditative effect on the participants. Although the procedures for making tea are very specific, the host chooses a unique combination of utensils to create a new experience each time, called ichigo ichi-e. I realized that applying the economy and elegance of movement of chanoyu would improve my pottery making, but graduated before Sato began giving chanoyu lessons.
In 1983-84, while living temporarily in Chicago, I had the opportunity to study with Mrs. Minnie Kubose, tea name Somi (Urasenke School). Back in St. Louis, where there was no sensei, I continued to practice by presenting chanoyu occasionally for my college pottery students and colleagues. In 2008, when we moved to Austin, Texas, I was fortunate to begin study with Dr. Sheila Fling, tea name Soshin. Dr. Fling has recommended me for nine official licenses to study many procedures. In 2016, Dr. Fling recommended me for the Okuden, Advanced Level, and Hikitsugi, the fourth degree Instructor certificate. In 2018, Dr. Fling recommended me for the Betsudin level and Sei-hikitsugi, third degree Instructor certificate. In March, 2019, I began teaching in Austin, with the mentorship of Dr. Fling.
Linda Mosley
Education
1975 — Master of Fine Arts, Ceramics Laboratory and Teaching Assistant, Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois.
1972 — Master of Studio Arts, Ceramics Laboratory and Teaching Assistant, Bradley University, Bradley University, Peoria Illinois.
1965-69 — Bachelor of Fine Arts, Ceramics Major, “Craftsman of the Year,” University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Chado Training
2008-present — Urasenke Chanoyu study with Dr. Sheila Fling, tea name Soshin, and assisted with presentations in the Austin metro area, Texas. (Licenses: 2010—Shokyuu; 2012, 2014—Chukyuuu-Shikaden; 2015—Jokyuu-Okuden and Hikitsugi, 4th Degree Instructor; 2018—Betsuden and Sei-hikitsugi, 3rd Degree Instructor). Member of the Chado Urasenke Tankokai, Dallas-Fort Worth Association.
2018 — Chado Seminar with Kazuo Machida Soho, Gyotei, at the Chado Urasenke Tankokai, Houston Association.
2011 — Chado Seminar with Kazuo Machida Soho Gyotei, at the Chado Urasenke Tankokai, Dallas-Fort Worth Association.
1984 — two-week self-guided tour of Japanese pottery sites, gardens, Urasenke Headquarters and Raku Museum.
1983–84 — studied Urasenke chanoyu with Mrs. Minnie Kubose, tea name Somi, Chicago, Illinois.
1983 —two-week intensive workshop in Japanese Arts, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, with Shozo Sato (the founder of Japan House and professor emeritus, College of Art and Design, Univ of Illinois) and Kimiko Gunji, Urasenke tea name Souki (宗紀) and Ikenobo Ikebana teacher name, Kiyomi (清美). (now professor emeritus of Japanese arts and culture, former director of Japan House.)
1968 — undergraduate courses: “Introduction to Japanese Arts” by Shozo Sato, and Asian Art History, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Ceramic & Chado Experience
2023 — Guest alumna artist (slide talks, a tea demonstration and a pottery demonstration) for the 25th anniversary celebration of Japan House at the University of Illinois in Urbana, IL. (10/10-14/23).
2021 — Featured in a video Japanese Pottery and Tea Ceremony, for Austin Oita Sister City Committee’s Virtual Festival. Kuniyuki Sashihara, a potter in Oita, and Linda exchanged chawan they made in videos. Linda wrote and directed her video, Austin TX.
2020 — Featured in a video for the Japan House Shares series, CHAWAN, or tea bowl by Linda Mosley. Linda wrote and directed video, Austin TX.
2020 — Pictures of Linda’s tea group activities were featured as members of the Urasenke Dallas Fort Worth Association, in the Urasenke North America Chado Relay, Facebook, Oct 5-6, Austin TX.
2019 — Began teaching chanoyu, Austin TX.
2008–2020 —Pottery teacher at ClayWays Pottery Studio & Gallery which became Austin Pottery Studio, TX. Managed gallery installations (2010-16).
1988–2007 — Instructor of Ceramics and Design, Saint Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, MO. Created instructional videos and website for college ceramics courses. Managed the ceramics studio and the acquisition of a new kiln room.
1985–90 — Designer, editor and desktop publisher of the NCECA Journal, for the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts.
1983-84 — Director of “Picture Lady” art appreciation program, Chiaravalle Montessori School, Evanston IL.
1979-83 — Pottery Demonstrator and Speaker on Early-American pottery, Summer Folklife Program, Museum of Westward Expansion, The Arch, St. Louis, MO.
1985-86 — President, St. Louis Contemporary Crafts Gallery (co-op).
1976–1982 — Instructor, The Lindenwood Colleges, St. Charles MO. Managed grants for numerous ceramic artist workshops and exhibitions, authored and designed monographs for two traveling ceramics exhibits.
1975-80 — Charter Member, Co-president (1979-80), Community Potters Association, St. Louis MO.
1973-74 — Director and teacher, The Pottery Studio at the Craft Compound, Dallas TX.
1971-74 — Ceramics laboratory assistant, Bradley University, Peoria IL
1967-69 — Ceramics laboratory assistant, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.