In his first show since the conclusion of the decade-long Design Series, Heath Clay Studio Director Tung Chiang made a key creative choice: ''I’m intentionally putting aside the hats of artist and designer for a moment, and choosing to approach everything as a potter.''
This focused perspective opened the door for Tung to explore the idiosyncrasies of clay and glaze while pushing the mechanical processes of pottery—throwing, trimming, and glazing—in new directions.
As its title suggests, Circle, Triangle, Rectangle uses basic geometric shapes as its conceptual starting point. Rather than rushing past these foundational shapes in pursuit of complexity, Tung opted to slow down and explore the full extent of their potential for expression, beauty, and variation, allowing the plasticity of the clay to bend, stretch, and shift them organically.
This organic quality comes through in the glaze work, as well. Tung opted not only to throw each piece by hand, but also personally glaze them himself, using everything he’s learned from years of close collaboration with Heath Master Glazer Winnie Crittenden. The elemental unpredictability of glaze is not constrained, but celebrated across an array of layered textures and tones.
This focused perspective opened the door for Tung to explore the idiosyncrasies of clay and glaze while pushing the mechanical processes of pottery—throwing, trimming, and glazing—in new directions.
As its title suggests, Circle, Triangle, Rectangle uses basic geometric shapes as its conceptual starting point. Rather than rushing past these foundational shapes in pursuit of complexity, Tung opted to slow down and explore the full extent of their potential for expression, beauty, and variation, allowing the plasticity of the clay to bend, stretch, and shift them organically.
This organic quality comes through in the glaze work, as well. Tung opted not only to throw each piece by hand, but also personally glaze them himself, using everything he’s learned from years of close collaboration with Heath Master Glazer Winnie Crittenden. The elemental unpredictability of glaze is not constrained, but celebrated across an array of layered textures and tones.
The same glaze can look completely different depending on who’s using it. When Winnie glazes, she does it with masterful control. I am only here to guide the glaze, give it room to show itself.
In keeping with the exploratory spirit of the new show, form and scale vary widely from piece to piece. You’ll find smaller sculptures, functional containers, and a collection of larger works (including two tall vases that pay homage to our San Francisco factory’s chimneys). This variety is deliberate, demonstrating that even the simplest shapes can lead to surprising results.
Circle, Triangle, Rectangle reflects Tung’s many years behind the wheel—not as designer or artist, but as craftsperson. One who learns through observation and repetition, one for whom process is paramount, and one who recognizes that beauty emerges when materials take the lead.
Circle, Triangle, Rectangle reflects Tung’s many years behind the wheel—not as designer or artist, but as craftsperson. One who learns through observation and repetition, one for whom process is paramount, and one who recognizes that beauty emerges when materials take the lead.
Just as the exhibition focuses on the most basic forms, I also wanted to return to the most fundamental act of my own practice: throwing, trimming, glazing, and making with my hands.
The show and sale begin at the Heath San Francisco gallery space on September 16. On September 17, join us for an opening celebration, where Tung will be in conversation with special guest Kelsey Keith about the collection and the future of craft.
Kelsey is a Creative Director at MillerKnoll, where she led its first rebrand in 25 years and worked closely with us for Heath’s most recent collaboration with Herman Miller.
Details/RSVP here.
Kelsey is a Creative Director at MillerKnoll, where she led its first rebrand in 25 years and worked closely with us for Heath’s most recent collaboration with Herman Miller.
Details/RSVP here.
