Akira Satake was born in Osaka, Japan and has been living in the USA since 1983. In 2003 he relocated from Brooklyn, New York to Swannanoa, North Carolina. The Philadelphia Museum awarded him the National Award for excellence in Contemporary Clay. He is a widely sought out artist, often invited for lectures, workshops and international exhibitions. His work features in museum collections worldwide.

Akira describes his work as a collaboration between him, the materials and the fire. He draws inspiration from the 'random hand of nature' knowing that he can only suggest outcomes to the kiln, hoping the fire will be his ally but also knowing that it will always transform clay in ways that cannot be anticipated.