Teruyama’s intimately patterned and narrative ornamentation reflects her Japanese heritage. Her vessel forms begin with heavy clay slab construction, later carved and embellished with floral motifs or renderings of her personal cast of characters – owls, cats, turtles – standing in for their human counterparts to share a story of daily trials. The sophisticated and exquisitely detailed forms transcend intended function and evolve into paintings meant to use, hold, and touch.