Aaron Scythe is an accomplished ceramic artist known for his innovative blend of Japanese and Western pottery techniques. Originally from New Zealand, Scythe trained at Carrington Polytechnic in 1988 and East Sydney Polytechnic in 1989, where he cultivated a fascination with Momoyama-period pottery. This led him to explore traditional Japanese ceramic styles, including Shino glazes, Oribe, and Kizeto ware.
In 1995, Scythe traveled to Japan to study Minoyaki pottery under the renowned potter Koie Ryoji. He spent over a decade and a half in Mashiko, Japan, where he honed his craft, built Anagama kilns, and held more than 60 solo exhibitions. His work during this time reflected his deep engagement with Japanese ceramic traditions while incorporating his personal artistic innovations.
Following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, Scythe relocated with his family to Te Aroha, New Zealand. There, his creative focus evolved to include English slipware techniques, continuing his tradition of blending historical ceramic methods with contemporary expression. Scythe's practice reflects his dynamic approach to form, glaze, and surface decoration, drawing from a wide array of cultural and technical influences. He remains a highly regarded figure in the global ceramics community.