Julie Schweitzer will be exhibiting Fong Choo: An Artistic Journey in Clay at Bourne-Schweitzer Gallery in New Albany beginning Nov. 18, and both artist and gallery director come to talk about in the studio this week. Tune n to WXOX 97.1 FM/Artxfm.com each Thursday at 10 am to hear Artists Talk with LVA.
Fong Choo is a Singapore-born American studio potter and teacher who creates diminutive, sculptural porcelain teapots. He is best known for his use of low-fire commercial glazes, firing them to Cone 6 to achieve luscious, jewel-tone effects. He has taught workshops both nationally at art centers around like Penland School of Arts and Crafts, Arrowmont School of art and craft, and internationally in countries like Israel, Canada and most recently in Singapore.
Over the years, he has also received numerous awards for his work at The Smithsonian Craft Show where he was awarded The Excellence in Ceramics Award in Washington DC. Others include Best of Show at the American Craft Exposition in Evanston, ILand The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show in Philadelphia, PA.
"What is so exciting about looking at a sleeping tiger?"
"Nothing. But if you take a stick and poke at it, you will remember that tiger for the rest of your life!"
This is part of a conversation I once had at the Minnesota Zoo.
In many ways, this parallels my attitude towards clay: it requires poking to awaken it. One must push the limits, test waters, search, prod and explore its many boundaries.
For more than ten years my work has been focused on Miniature Teapots. The teapot form continues to challenge and fascinate me. The work shown in this gallery is the result of over a decade of evolution in color, design and form. I invite you into that place.
I feel blessed to be able to pursue the life of a potter -- especially when it requires poking the sleeping tiger…
Fong Choo: An Artistic Journey in Clay is at Bourne-Schweitzer Gallery in New Albany beginning Nov. 18, 2023