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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
My stuff: Sally Ito
Writer-in-residence, U of M Centre for Creative Writing and Oral Culture
Sally Ito (MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store
If your house were on fire, heaven forbid, what's the one item contained within that you would try to take with you? (People, pets and computers not included.)
Well, if my computer's not included then probably a copy of one of my books! Actually, let's look at this question closely. Most people will be happy to escape with their lives, the lives of their loved ones, and if computers represent what they do as it would for a writer and if none of these can be the answer -- then what's left? Whatever is precious to you in material form that cannot be replaced. And in my case, that would be a piece of art. I would take the large platter crafted by potter and artisan Shizuo Tamura of Shigaraki, Japan. Shizuo Tamura makes pottery in Shigaraki, one of the six ancient pottery sites in Japan, in a distinctive style reflective of the area from which he hails. In 2009, he came to Winnipeg for a visit to the University of Manitoba and to the Mennonite Centre Heritage Gallery to demonstrate his pottery technique and to exhibit his work. I received the plate as a gift.
What's the one clothing/fashion item you can't live without?
Black pants.
What's your favourite knick-knack and why?
I have a white mottled stone shaped like a large egg that fits in the palm of my hand. My husband picked this up on a beach in B.C. years ago. The fact that this stone was weathered into this perfect ovoid shape is marvellous.
What's the oldest thing you own?
A set of dishes used to make a steamed Japanese dish called chawan mushi, once owned by my great-grandmother and passed on to me by my great-aunt. Likely imported from Japan, these would have been used in Canada around the early 1900s.
Describe your most beloved piece of furniture.
The cabinet that contains my pottery treasures. We redid our kitchen last year and had this cabinet custom-made to feature Tamura-san's plate, and the heirloom dishes I described above from my father's family.
Is there an edible item we'll always find in your pantry or fridge?
Rice. I'm Asian, after all!
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition October 13, 2012 E2
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