The Diminutive Teapot & Glaze Play with Fong Choo

Opening Reception Friday July 11, 6-9pm (Free & Open to the public) Rsvp

2 day Workshop July 12 & 13 10am-4pm $250 for non-members $225 for members  Click here to register

Join us for this fantistic opportunity!

Cream City Clay -7105 W. Greenfield Ave – West Allis WI -414-249-5902

In early January of 1983, Choo, a native of the Republic of Singapore, a tiny independent nation in South East Asia came to the US to pursue a college degree. His educational endeavor quickly took a career change after signing up for a beginning ceramics class where he was immediately drawn to the medium. Upon graduation, he chose to pursue his ceramcs professionally. Since 1990 he has been on adjunct faculty at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. However, he is at his best in the flow of the life of a practicing studio potter.

For Choo, the study of form has always been a core interest with his signature diminutive teapots so, no surprise that for over 30 years he has focused consciously and meticulously on this single form. Learning it is a life long endeavor and passion for Fong. Aspects of the form, the appendages— handle, lid, spout and body must all merge as one for the piece to be visually pleasing.

However, lately he has resorted back to exploring his utilitarian roots: creating and exploring bowls, mugs, vases and platters etc…used in his discovery of his ‘Dwippy’ methods of glaze play. Play surrounds and infuses his work: both figuratively and literally.

This somewhat unorthodox method of glazing work uses highly fluxed, reactive Mayco low fire commercial crystal glazes paired with their SW Mid Range Series of glazes fired to Cone 5-6 in oxidation. The methods that will be demonstrated are designed to create a dazzling palette of finishes. Results have been described many ways: Luscious. Random. Runny. Marbly. Amazing. And ‘Dwippy.’ Choo likes to say “They’re so loose they slide.”

Choo is also highly regarded for his use of alternative materials in his handles.  Attendees will be shown creative ways to use cane and reed in handle assemblages for the teapots.

Fong Choo has taught workshops across the US and internationally in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, Israel, Canada, and in his native Singapore. His work has also received numerous awards at The Smithsonian Craft Show, The Philadelphia Museum of Art Show and the The American Craft Exposition. He is currently working on a number of patron-commissioned pieces.