Handcrafted with Love
At Studio Asobi, we believe that there is a place in this world for beautiful creations crafted by hand – slowly, lovingly and uniquely.
Our clay vessels each bear a name and a little haiku, and just as we have enjoyed making them, we hope that they bring the same joy to whoever holds and uses them.
The pictures below are a glimpse of our pottery works and creative process. Larger sculptures and installations can be found here.
We welcome you to join our pottery journey too, with our individual workshops, corporate sessions, or spiritual retreats.
Today we bid goodbye to our two kilns after almost 10 years. Over the past month, each of them malfunctioned in ways that would be too expensive to fix, and after some valiant attempts at troubleshooting, we decided that it was time to get a new one.
Looking back, I must say that these kilns have been, more than anything else, a testament of my parents` love for me. Although back then it was so hard for them to understand our decision to start our studio, they nevertheless gifted us our first kiln, without which we couldn`t have set up a home studio! And if not for our home studio which showed us a different way to live our lives, we would probably not have become parents ourselves!
This has given us an important lesson. As parents, we certainly have hopes for our son, and in many areas I`m sure he would choose paths that are different from what we hope for. Some may amaze us, some may disappoint us, some may worry us. Of course, we will try our best to point him in the direction we feel is right, but at the end of the day, I must still hold on to the wisdom of the Bible - "Fathers, do not exasperate your children". Wherever he goes, I want Tobie to know that we will always be behind him, supporting him and cheering him on. So that whenever he needs a word of comfort, or encouragement, or wisdom, there is always going to be a safe harbour to return to.
A whole decade has passed since our first kiln arrived. We are still doing what we do, still the same studio as before, but one that has walked a beautiful journey that hopefully is still in its infancy. Grateful to these two kilns for accompanying us along the way, and for the thousands of beautiful vessels that have emerged out of their crucible.
Dec 11
Today we bid goodbye to our two kilns after almost 10 years. Over the past month, each of them malfunctioned in ways that would be too expensive to fix, and after some valiant attempts at troubleshooting, we decided that it was time to get a new one.
Looking back, I must say that these kilns have been, more than anything else, a testament of my parents` love for me. Although back then it was so hard for them to understand our decision to start our studio, they nevertheless gifted us our first kiln, without which we couldn`t have set up a home studio! And if not for our home studio which showed us a different way to live our lives, we would probably not have become parents ourselves!
This has given us an important lesson. As parents, we certainly have hopes for our son, and in many areas I`m sure he would choose paths that are different from what we hope for. Some may amaze us, some may disappoint us, some may worry us. Of course, we will try our best to point him in the direction we feel is right, but at the end of the day, I must still hold on to the wisdom of the Bible - "Fathers, do not exasperate your children". Wherever he goes, I want Tobie to know that we will always be behind him, supporting him and cheering him on. So that whenever he needs a word of comfort, or encouragement, or wisdom, there is always going to be a safe harbour to return to.
A whole decade has passed since our first kiln arrived. We are still doing what we do, still the same studio as before, but one that has walked a beautiful journey that hopefully is still in its infancy. Grateful to these two kilns for accompanying us along the way, and for the thousands of beautiful vessels that have emerged out of their crucible.
How long does it take to mould a pot? It depends a lot on the complexity and your skill level:)
How long does it take to shape lives? Well, it certainly takes a whole lot longer!
For the last two months, we have been cycling to meet our 200km goal in our fundraising campaign for a local charity @bcaresg. They have been serving the community since 1996 through an extensive range of services to children, youths, seniors, families and persons with mental health conditions.
Today, we (Kenneth & Huiwen) just cleared our individual cycling target of 200km! As a bonus, Tobie also did his part with a total of 29km 🎉🎉🎉
The fundraising target for Bcare is only fulfilled halfway. If you have received much goodness in your life and would like to pay it forward and bless those in need, we would like to invite you to join in the good work by donating any amount you are comfortable with!
You can check out more details about the campaign (till end Nov) from the link in our profile above/comments section.
May God bless you as you bless others:)
#strideforgood #giving #volunteering #bcare #studiolife #shapinglives
Nov 15
How long does it take to mould a pot? It depends a lot on the complexity and your skill level:)
How long does it take to shape lives? Well, it certainly takes a whole lot longer!
For the last two months, we have been cycling to meet our 200km goal in our fundraising campaign for a local charity @bcaresg. They have been serving the community since 1996 through an extensive range of services to children, youths, seniors, families and persons with mental health conditions.
Today, we (Kenneth & Huiwen) just cleared our individual cycling target of 200km! As a bonus, Tobie also did his part with a total of 29km 🎉🎉🎉
The fundraising target for Bcare is only fulfilled halfway. If you have received much goodness in your life and would like to pay it forward and bless those in need, we would like to invite you to join in the good work by donating any amount you are comfortable with!
You can check out more details about the campaign (till end Nov) from the link in our profile above/comments section.
May God bless you as you bless others:)
#strideforgood #giving #volunteering #bcare #studiolife #shapinglives
MOVING
The wind rises and falls;
I glance back, yet look forward
I`m glad our paths crossed
There are 1001 ways to live out our lives. Do you find that the most impactful memories are likely to do with people?
Perhaps it was an author whose words were passed along through the ages. Perhaps it was someone who showed you kindness when you least expected it. Perhaps it was someone that inspired you to see the world from a fresh angle. Perhaps it was a mentor who showed you the ropes and made life more bearable.
As people leave their marks on our minds and hearts, we are shaped and moulded in that process. For better or worse. Are we happy with the likeness we are growing into? May the answer be so:)
#sakeset #handmade #pottery #ceramics #madeinsg #reflections #life #studioasobi
Nov 2
MOVING
The wind rises and falls;
I glance back, yet look forward
I`m glad our paths crossed
There are 1001 ways to live out our lives. Do you find that the most impactful memories are likely to do with people?
Perhaps it was an author whose words were passed along through the ages. Perhaps it was someone who showed you kindness when you least expected it. Perhaps it was someone that inspired you to see the world from a fresh angle. Perhaps it was a mentor who showed you the ropes and made life more bearable.
As people leave their marks on our minds and hearts, we are shaped and moulded in that process. For better or worse. Are we happy with the likeness we are growing into? May the answer be so:)
#sakeset #handmade #pottery #ceramics #madeinsg #reflections #life #studioasobi
We are big fans of @nlbsingapore and library@orchard easily ranks as one of the most iconic branches with its design and art focus for their collection of books.
This branch will be closed temporarily from 28 Oct 24 as part of NLB`s ongoing efforts to rejuvenate its libraries and to offer fresh services, spaces, and experiences for patrons.
Currently there is a small exhibition there till 27 Oct featuring the works of past Pro Series speakers. If you are in the area, you can look out for our nerikomi bud vases right near the entrance:)
Thanks again to @nlbsingapore for this opportunity and for constantly bringing so many wonderful books to children and adults alike. Our son is a big fan too and we all love the innovative Book Bugs initiative! Thanks for continuing to build up the love for books in Singapore.
#libraries #books #lovebooks #ceramics #pottery #clay #studioasobi #studiolife #singapore
Oct 24
We are big fans of @nlbsingapore and library@orchard easily ranks as one of the most iconic branches with its design and art focus for their collection of books.
This branch will be closed temporarily from 28 Oct 24 as part of NLB`s ongoing efforts to rejuvenate its libraries and to offer fresh services, spaces, and experiences for patrons.
Currently there is a small exhibition there till 27 Oct featuring the works of past Pro Series speakers. If you are in the area, you can look out for our nerikomi bud vases right near the entrance:)
Thanks again to @nlbsingapore for this opportunity and for constantly bringing so many wonderful books to children and adults alike. Our son is a big fan too and we all love the innovative Book Bugs initiative! Thanks for continuing to build up the love for books in Singapore.
#libraries #books #lovebooks #ceramics #pottery #clay #studioasobi #studiolife #singapore
We are so thankful for your precious and generous support of our recent seconds sale at @rogerandsons which raised a total of $768 that will fully go into our ground-up fund to plug urgent gaps in funding for cases referred by @healthservesg.
From 2019-2024, this fund (supported by a network of friends and family and now you too) has helped 45 individual migrant brothers for needs ranging from S$50 to a few hundred.
You see, we do not have to pay a big amount of money to secure our jobs here in Singapore. We are extremely fortunate to have this privilege! Recruitment agent fees charge Bangladeshi workers typically S$13-16,000 for their first job in Singapore. Imagine paying this amount just to have a chance at a better life for your family. This typically results in hefty loans with hefty interest rates and if all things go well, they can start saving up a little once the loans are paid off.
However, if you become injured and cannot work, your woes and nightmares start to pile up. Your family would not only struggle to eat as you are the main income bringer but they can get harassed by creditors. While trying to get your work injury compensation amidst disputes with employers or assessment processes, you need to wait and is stuck in limbo. It is an extremely stressful situation that many workers face and thankfully we have organisations like Healthserve who help them (please support their work!).
We do not have the means to help everyone nor to help them completely but we can each choose to contribute a little in building a better and kinder society for everyone`s benefit. It can start as simply as smiling and being nice to the migrant workers who come into your path and being nice to your colleagues and fellow neighbours. Little by little, we choose grace instead of animosity.
Thank you all once again! We are so encouraged:)
#migrants #healthserve #culturecare #giving #grace #bettercommunity #studiolife
Oct 2
We are so thankful for your precious and generous support of our recent seconds sale at @rogerandsons which raised a total of $768 that will fully go into our ground-up fund to plug urgent gaps in funding for cases referred by @healthservesg.
From 2019-2024, this fund (supported by a network of friends and family and now you too) has helped 45 individual migrant brothers for needs ranging from S$50 to a few hundred.
You see, we do not have to pay a big amount of money to secure our jobs here in Singapore. We are extremely fortunate to have this privilege! Recruitment agent fees charge Bangladeshi workers typically S$13-16,000 for their first job in Singapore. Imagine paying this amount just to have a chance at a better life for your family. This typically results in hefty loans with hefty interest rates and if all things go well, they can start saving up a little once the loans are paid off.
However, if you become injured and cannot work, your woes and nightmares start to pile up. Your family would not only struggle to eat as you are the main income bringer but they can get harassed by creditors. While trying to get your work injury compensation amidst disputes with employers or assessment processes, you need to wait and is stuck in limbo. It is an extremely stressful situation that many workers face and thankfully we have organisations like Healthserve who help them (please support their work!).
We do not have the means to help everyone nor to help them completely but we can each choose to contribute a little in building a better and kinder society for everyone`s benefit. It can start as simply as smiling and being nice to the migrant workers who come into your path and being nice to your colleagues and fellow neighbours. Little by little, we choose grace instead of animosity.
Thank you all once again! We are so encouraged:)
#migrants #healthserve #culturecare #giving #grace #bettercommunity #studiolife
Mondays are our rest days and we have benefitted much over the years from observing a rhythm of having a day per week where we cease from thinking about and doing work. We pursue rest and exploration and community during this day and yesterday we combined all 3 elements as we cycled 18km to meet our individual 200km goal in our fundraising campaign for a local charity @bcaresg.
Stride for Good 2024 aims to raise funds to impact lives through providing assistance to vulnerable groups such as:
1. Children from low-income families
2. Persons with mental health conditions
3. Seniors who are frail or isolated
We have been volunteering with BCare over the past year; in their Milk and Diapers assistance programme that helps families referred by social agencies. The practical help goes a long way to enable these services to continue and to expand for beneficiaries. Therefore we would like to invite you to join in the good work by donating any amount you are comfortable with!
You can check out more details about the campaign (till end Nov) from the link in our profile above/comments section.
May God bless you as you bless others:)
P.S. Pictures are from Japanese Cemetery Park and the residential blocks are Kenneth`s project while he was still an architect!
#strideforgood #giving #volunteering #bcare #studiolife #sabbathrest
Sep 30
Mondays are our rest days and we have benefitted much over the years from observing a rhythm of having a day per week where we cease from thinking about and doing work. We pursue rest and exploration and community during this day and yesterday we combined all 3 elements as we cycled 18km to meet our individual 200km goal in our fundraising campaign for a local charity @bcaresg.
Stride for Good 2024 aims to raise funds to impact lives through providing assistance to vulnerable groups such as:
1. Children from low-income families
2. Persons with mental health conditions
3. Seniors who are frail or isolated
We have been volunteering with BCare over the past year; in their Milk and Diapers assistance programme that helps families referred by social agencies. The practical help goes a long way to enable these services to continue and to expand for beneficiaries. Therefore we would like to invite you to join in the good work by donating any amount you are comfortable with!
You can check out more details about the campaign (till end Nov) from the link in our profile above/comments section.
May God bless you as you bless others:)
P.S. Pictures are from Japanese Cemetery Park and the residential blocks are Kenneth`s project while he was still an architect!
#strideforgood #giving #volunteering #bcare #studiolife #sabbathrest
Just a simple bowl we made some time ago - loved the colour but just didn`t know what to do with it so it was just sitting on our shelf for years! Really thankful to @rogerandsons for inviting us to their Offcuts & Rejects sale, so that this bowl and many of our other "seconds" could be seen by others! We drilled a hole into this bowl so that it can serve as a flower pot, and I can now proudly say that I know how to drill into ceramic!
Thank you also to the new friend who bought this and promptly placed a Big Foot plant in it for her grandpa! Such a beautiful picture for us as potters, to see our creation being repurposed and given a new lease of life!
This little experience also reminded me of our Master Potter, who takes the offcuts and rejects and seconds of this world, and makes us His own. Loving us and purposing us for His glory. After all, He is the one who made us, and we are His masterpieces even if we have been told otherwise along the way!
Sep 24
Just a simple bowl we made some time ago - loved the colour but just didn`t know what to do with it so it was just sitting on our shelf for years! Really thankful to @rogerandsons for inviting us to their Offcuts & Rejects sale, so that this bowl and many of our other "seconds" could be seen by others! We drilled a hole into this bowl so that it can serve as a flower pot, and I can now proudly say that I know how to drill into ceramic!
Thank you also to the new friend who bought this and promptly placed a Big Foot plant in it for her grandpa! Such a beautiful picture for us as potters, to see our creation being repurposed and given a new lease of life!
This little experience also reminded me of our Master Potter, who takes the offcuts and rejects and seconds of this world, and makes us His own. Loving us and purposing us for His glory. After all, He is the one who made us, and we are His masterpieces even if we have been told otherwise along the way!
All set up at @rogerandsons for the sale event happening from tomorrow (21/9) till 28/9! We have selected a range of re-purposed pots (to grow greens in) and "pot-otypes" for you to take home at exclusive marked down prices:)
All proceeds are pledged towards our ground-up Hand in Hand fund, a collaboration with @healthservesg to help injured migrant workers, so you are also more than welcome to give more than the set prices! Just reference "hands" in the transfer field and/or DM us to find out more about this initiative:)
Have fun browsing through the other things on offer during the event too! We won`t be manning the booth as we have classes and retreats to run. If you are keen to try out pottery or a spiritual retreat, you can check out our website for more details.
Have a great weekend ahead, folks!
#pottery #potterysale #sustainability #repurposing #clay
Sep 20
All set up at @rogerandsons for the sale event happening from tomorrow (21/9) till 28/9! We have selected a range of re-purposed pots (to grow greens in) and "pot-otypes" for you to take home at exclusive marked down prices:)
All proceeds are pledged towards our ground-up Hand in Hand fund, a collaboration with @healthservesg to help injured migrant workers, so you are also more than welcome to give more than the set prices! Just reference "hands" in the transfer field and/or DM us to find out more about this initiative:)
Have fun browsing through the other things on offer during the event too! We won`t be manning the booth as we have classes and retreats to run. If you are keen to try out pottery or a spiritual retreat, you can check out our website for more details.
Have a great weekend ahead, folks!
#pottery #potterysale #sustainability #repurposing #clay
Our friends over at @rogerandsons have always been promoting sustainability and creativity and they are hosting an Offcut & Rejects sale for their wood related items! They have called along some other friends to join them so here we are:)
We have selected over 20 pottery items for this event and all proceeds from the sale of these pottery goes to our Hand in Hand Fund to aid injured migrant workers in need of urgent financial help.
115 King George Avenue | 12 PM - 7 PM | September 21st-28th
To reduce waste, do bring along your own bags!:)
#sustainability #repurposing #reducewaste
Sep 19
Our friends over at @rogerandsons have always been promoting sustainability and creativity and they are hosting an Offcut & Rejects sale for their wood related items! They have called along some other friends to join them so here we are:)
We have selected over 20 pottery items for this event and all proceeds from the sale of these pottery goes to our Hand in Hand Fund to aid injured migrant workers in need of urgent financial help.
115 King George Avenue | 12 PM - 7 PM | September 21st-28th
To reduce waste, do bring along your own bags!:)
#sustainability #repurposing #reducewaste
We celebrate 10 years as Studio Asobi!
We give thanks to God for loving us as our Good Good Father, and moulding us as our Master Potter.
We give thanks to each of you for being part of our growth and journey.
Thank you for choosing to send encouragement along our way by liking our works and making them part of your homes.
Thank you for coming for our workshops, classes and retreats, and becoming friends in the process.
Thank you for reading our posts and sharing with us when it resonated with you so that social media becomes meaningful.
Thank you for supporting our initiatives for the various needy groups in Singapore, so that help is multiplied.
Special thanks also goes to our precious family for your tremendous love and support! We could not have started and sustained this endeavour without your love, encouragement, generosity, and co-laboring!
Thank you to all the art and pottery teachers that have taught us too! Thank you for imparting your skills and knowledge to us:)
十年 - 我们心满意足！
#thanksgiving #studiolife #anniversary #pottery #ceramics #studioasobi
Sep 18
We celebrate 10 years as Studio Asobi!
We give thanks to God for loving us as our Good Good Father, and moulding us as our Master Potter.
We give thanks to each of you for being part of our growth and journey.
Thank you for choosing to send encouragement along our way by liking our works and making them part of your homes.
Thank you for coming for our workshops, classes and retreats, and becoming friends in the process.
Thank you for reading our posts and sharing with us when it resonated with you so that social media becomes meaningful.
Thank you for supporting our initiatives for the various needy groups in Singapore, so that help is multiplied.
Special thanks also goes to our precious family for your tremendous love and support! We could not have started and sustained this endeavour without your love, encouragement, generosity, and co-laboring!
Thank you to all the art and pottery teachers that have taught us too! Thank you for imparting your skills and knowledge to us:)
十年 - 我们心满意足！
#thanksgiving #studiolife #anniversary #pottery #ceramics #studioasobi
SECRET FOREST
Hidden aromas
A lone leaf, tenderly wrapped
Savour when ready
When I think about this cup, I`m reminded of the many impromptu, on-demand stories we have told our son over the course of these 6 years, many of which revolve around the adventures of mysterious animals with special powers living in a Secret Forest. We tell him stories to get him to sleep, get him to wake up, get him to revise spelling, distract him from pain, among others. Telling these stories also takes us, the story tellers, on little adventures with our boy, through a world that we had once left behind as we entered adulthood.
Once in a while, making a vessel like this also takes us on a little adventure. Into a world where strange things are possible, like drinking the refreshing morning dew from a long, slender leaf wrapped around itself.
I`m blessed to have the time to sit there and slowly carve away, letting my mind drift and wander. I wish the door to the Secret Forest will always be open for me.
Sep 6
SECRET FOREST
Hidden aromas
A lone leaf, tenderly wrapped
Savour when ready
When I think about this cup, I`m reminded of the many impromptu, on-demand stories we have told our son over the course of these 6 years, many of which revolve around the adventures of mysterious animals with special powers living in a Secret Forest. We tell him stories to get him to sleep, get him to wake up, get him to revise spelling, distract him from pain, among others. Telling these stories also takes us, the story tellers, on little adventures with our boy, through a world that we had once left behind as we entered adulthood.
Once in a while, making a vessel like this also takes us on a little adventure. Into a world where strange things are possible, like drinking the refreshing morning dew from a long, slender leaf wrapped around itself.
I`m blessed to have the time to sit there and slowly carve away, letting my mind drift and wander. I wish the door to the Secret Forest will always be open for me.
We just concluded a week of retreats and it was so wonderful to have different groups come to find rest, enjoyment and nourishment together!
Pre-covid, we were running monthly pottery sessions for injured migrant brothers who come to @healthservesg, and we are glad that we managed to resume these sessions now on a more intimate scale.
Some of them have been stuck in limbo for more than a year; unable to work due to their injury and case compensation issues, and they spend each day just waiting in their dorms. Their dorms are also situated in remote parts of Singapore and it is expensive to get around; hence they don`t get out much.
We are glad that Healthserve reaches out to help these brothers and special thanks to Daniel, who would take the trouble to drive them here for some therapeutic fun with clay. It was rewarding to see how their faces lit up with smiles as they focused on their making and they are all so good with their hands!
It was also very nice to see previous participants return and thank you @agapians for bringing your youth ministry leaders this time round. It was a joy and delight to have deep conversations together as we delved into the practical aspects of the analogy of Potter and Clay. Same goes for the individuals who came for our Potter`s House spiritual retreat session!
Our hearts are full and we would like to take the chance to wish all teachers a blessed teacher`s day! Thanks for sowing into the hearts and minds of others:)
#retreat #spiritualretreat #migrants #clay #pottery
Aug 29
We just concluded a week of retreats and it was so wonderful to have different groups come to find rest, enjoyment and nourishment together!
Pre-covid, we were running monthly pottery sessions for injured migrant brothers who come to @healthservesg, and we are glad that we managed to resume these sessions now on a more intimate scale.
Some of them have been stuck in limbo for more than a year; unable to work due to their injury and case compensation issues, and they spend each day just waiting in their dorms. Their dorms are also situated in remote parts of Singapore and it is expensive to get around; hence they don`t get out much.
We are glad that Healthserve reaches out to help these brothers and special thanks to Daniel, who would take the trouble to drive them here for some therapeutic fun with clay. It was rewarding to see how their faces lit up with smiles as they focused on their making and they are all so good with their hands!
It was also very nice to see previous participants return and thank you @agapians for bringing your youth ministry leaders this time round. It was a joy and delight to have deep conversations together as we delved into the practical aspects of the analogy of Potter and Clay. Same goes for the individuals who came for our Potter`s House spiritual retreat session!
Our hearts are full and we would like to take the chance to wish all teachers a blessed teacher`s day! Thanks for sowing into the hearts and minds of others:)
#retreat #spiritualretreat #migrants #clay #pottery
Took us a long time to do this post because we didn`t want to have any spoilers, but our bricks project surely would not have been possible without the kind and generous help from Kiwi of @lionsforge_sg .
We needed to create a press mould for our artwork but we didn`t know how to go about doing it. Lasercut? CNC? Silicone mould? We approached several companies but received little help, perhaps because of the small quantity and relative complexity. Getting more and more anxious, we finally stumbled upon Lionsforge, and I was quite amazed just reading all their excellent online reviews.
I gave Kiwi a call, and found out that although Lionsforge is primarily a manufacturer of (excellent) laser cutting machines, they enthusiastically lend their expertise and support to artists and students who need help with laser cutting resources. Kiwi patiently explained to me the key aspects of laser cutting, and most importantly he was so positive about helping us find a solution, inviting us to his workshop to have a chat so that we can figure it out together.
At his workshop, he brainstormed ideas with us, and even when we suggested things that may or may not work, his response was always, "Let`s try it and see how." Without even mentioning anything about costs, he tested several iterations of the mould for us, and finally arrived at a solution that worked perfectly. Although he cut several small moulds for us as back up, they were so durable that we only needed to change one mould throughout the 1,700 bricks we made, and only because a tiny detail got chipped away by my careless handling.
So thankful for the kindness he showed us, and so impressed by his desire to empower fellow Singaporeans using the amazing machines that Lionsforge has developed. If you need any help with laser cutting, or if you are looking to get a very efficient and safe machine for your own use, please look for Lionsforge!
Aug 21
Took us a long time to do this post because we didn`t want to have any spoilers, but our bricks project surely would not have been possible without the kind and generous help from Kiwi of @lionsforge_sg .
We needed to create a press mould for our artwork but we didn`t know how to go about doing it. Lasercut? CNC? Silicone mould? We approached several companies but received little help, perhaps because of the small quantity and relative complexity. Getting more and more anxious, we finally stumbled upon Lionsforge, and I was quite amazed just reading all their excellent online reviews.
I gave Kiwi a call, and found out that although Lionsforge is primarily a manufacturer of (excellent) laser cutting machines, they enthusiastically lend their expertise and support to artists and students who need help with laser cutting resources. Kiwi patiently explained to me the key aspects of laser cutting, and most importantly he was so positive about helping us find a solution, inviting us to his workshop to have a chat so that we can figure it out together.
At his workshop, he brainstormed ideas with us, and even when we suggested things that may or may not work, his response was always, "Let`s try it and see how." Without even mentioning anything about costs, he tested several iterations of the mould for us, and finally arrived at a solution that worked perfectly. Although he cut several small moulds for us as back up, they were so durable that we only needed to change one mould throughout the 1,700 bricks we made, and only because a tiny detail got chipped away by my careless handling.
So thankful for the kindness he showed us, and so impressed by his desire to empower fellow Singaporeans using the amazing machines that Lionsforge has developed. If you need any help with laser cutting, or if you are looking to get a very efficient and safe machine for your own use, please look for Lionsforge!
Working with clay requires patience because there is a lot of waiting involved at each stage of the process. Different processes are best done at different levels of clay hardness and an important but often understated step is the drying out of the clay.
If they are not dried properly, the bricks can suffer from cracks or warping. If they are not dried sufficiently, they can also explode in the kiln. In our fast paced society where we want and anticipate things to move at our desired speed, waiting can feel unproductive and frustrating. Are we willing to wait, no matter how long it takes?
"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning." - Psalm 130:5-6
Without going through the baptism of fire, clay will always remain as clay. Many things are destroyed by fire; but clay is strengthened and transformed through fire. Its nature changes irrevocably through the fire and then fired clay lasts forever thereafter. Waiting and being tested in fiery trials can be an uncomfortable time for many in our spiritual journeys. Yet, it is also an unmissable step in the process. Do we trust in God to bring us through the fire?
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ`s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." - 1 Peter 4:12-13
To be continued in Part 3!
#reflections #pottery #clay #studiolife #culturecare #lsbcjubilee
Aug 21
Working with clay requires patience because there is a lot of waiting involved at each stage of the process. Different processes are best done at different levels of clay hardness and an important but often understated step is the drying out of the clay.
If they are not dried properly, the bricks can suffer from cracks or warping. If they are not dried sufficiently, they can also explode in the kiln. In our fast paced society where we want and anticipate things to move at our desired speed, waiting can feel unproductive and frustrating. Are we willing to wait, no matter how long it takes?
"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning." - Psalm 130:5-6
Without going through the baptism of fire, clay will always remain as clay. Many things are destroyed by fire; but clay is strengthened and transformed through fire. Its nature changes irrevocably through the fire and then fired clay lasts forever thereafter. Waiting and being tested in fiery trials can be an uncomfortable time for many in our spiritual journeys. Yet, it is also an unmissable step in the process. Do we trust in God to bring us through the fire?
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ`s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." - 1 Peter 4:12-13
To be continued in Part 3!
#reflections #pottery #clay #studiolife #culturecare #lsbcjubilee
Over the past 2 months, we were working on a unique project where we produced these cute little commemorative bricks for our church @lsbcsingapore :)
Don`t they look like delicious dark chocolate blocks? Or maybe that is just the chocolate lover talking! :D
We typically do not take on large scale production projects. All 1,700 pieces individually handcrafted, the two of us were like a mini factory line going back and forth on the multi-step making process. It also gave rise to many opportunities for us to have conversations and to reflect on the parallels with our spiritual journeys.
Clay comes from the ground and by itself is not worth much - but its value comes from being chosen and remade into something by the Potter`s hands.
Before the clay is suitable to be used, it needs to be cleaned up and wedged into the right consistency for the Potter`s work. Too little water, and the clay is too hard and stiff to be worked on. Too much water, and the clay becomes too muddy to hold its shape. The right level of pliability is a necessary step before embarking on the task at hand. Are we as clay, ready to submit to the moulding of the Potter?
There are different ways to mould the clay and for these bricks we have chosen to roll out the clay into slabs so that we can press the mould and imprint the design consistently. We needed to be clear about the dimensions and the desired outcome and to resist the natural pushback of the clay as we press and mould them in place.
In life, we may also sometimes push back on what God is showing us because it is uncomfortable. Or if we are not careful, we can also easily be moulded into the world`s image as societal pressures exert their enormous influence on us. Whose image do we reflect?
As we remove the mould, we check for consistency and clarity in imprinting, and we try to smooth out any rough edges. However, there will inevitably be bits and pieces of clay that may stick out which needs to be dealt with after the clay has hardened sufficiently for trimming. Are we aware of the patterns of behavior that may be hurtful or triggering to others?
So much to think about! To be continued in Part 2:)
#lsbcjubilee
Aug 19
Over the past 2 months, we were working on a unique project where we produced these cute little commemorative bricks for our church @lsbcsingapore :)
Don`t they look like delicious dark chocolate blocks? Or maybe that is just the chocolate lover talking! :D
We typically do not take on large scale production projects. All 1,700 pieces individually handcrafted, the two of us were like a mini factory line going back and forth on the multi-step making process. It also gave rise to many opportunities for us to have conversations and to reflect on the parallels with our spiritual journeys.
Clay comes from the ground and by itself is not worth much - but its value comes from being chosen and remade into something by the Potter`s hands.
Before the clay is suitable to be used, it needs to be cleaned up and wedged into the right consistency for the Potter`s work. Too little water, and the clay is too hard and stiff to be worked on. Too much water, and the clay becomes too muddy to hold its shape. The right level of pliability is a necessary step before embarking on the task at hand. Are we as clay, ready to submit to the moulding of the Potter?
There are different ways to mould the clay and for these bricks we have chosen to roll out the clay into slabs so that we can press the mould and imprint the design consistently. We needed to be clear about the dimensions and the desired outcome and to resist the natural pushback of the clay as we press and mould them in place.
In life, we may also sometimes push back on what God is showing us because it is uncomfortable. Or if we are not careful, we can also easily be moulded into the world`s image as societal pressures exert their enormous influence on us. Whose image do we reflect?
As we remove the mould, we check for consistency and clarity in imprinting, and we try to smooth out any rough edges. However, there will inevitably be bits and pieces of clay that may stick out which needs to be dealt with after the clay has hardened sufficiently for trimming. Are we aware of the patterns of behavior that may be hurtful or triggering to others?
So much to think about! To be continued in Part 2:)
#lsbcjubilee
I love the feeling when the day starts to wake. The light gradually brightens and the bird songs join in their choruses.
I was feeling very sleepy as I woke up at 6am; which is our new normal for the primary school term. I looked forward to returning home to sit quietly with my coffee and breakfast; staring into our sliver of nature until my senses roused from their slumber.
I was also reading a book called "The ruthless elimination of hurry" while commuting (very good book by the way!) and there were a lot of concepts that resonated with me.
Ten years ago, I remember feeling a deep level of restlessness in my soul and a low grade constant fatigue/anxiety that sleep wouldn`t take away. I took a sabbatical break and in that time of "wilderness", there was much to confront as well as to lean into. Could there really be a truth that can set me free? I longed to be free in spirit and contented at heart and it`s a long story; maybe for another day!
Now it`s back to work:) Have a great day folks! May each of us find a rhythm of life that is life giving and restful not just for our bodies, but for our souls too.
Jun 25
I love the feeling when the day starts to wake. The light gradually brightens and the bird songs join in their choruses.
I was feeling very sleepy as I woke up at 6am; which is our new normal for the primary school term. I looked forward to returning home to sit quietly with my coffee and breakfast; staring into our sliver of nature until my senses roused from their slumber.
I was also reading a book called "The ruthless elimination of hurry" while commuting (very good book by the way!) and there were a lot of concepts that resonated with me.
Ten years ago, I remember feeling a deep level of restlessness in my soul and a low grade constant fatigue/anxiety that sleep wouldn`t take away. I took a sabbatical break and in that time of "wilderness", there was much to confront as well as to lean into. Could there really be a truth that can set me free? I longed to be free in spirit and contented at heart and it`s a long story; maybe for another day!
Now it`s back to work:) Have a great day folks! May each of us find a rhythm of life that is life giving and restful not just for our bodies, but for our souls too.
Celebrating the monthiversary of 11 May 2024, or National Up-To-Two-Cats-Allowed-In-HDB-Flats Day! Our two ladies had been illegal squatters for 6 years before the government finally reversed their 35 year ban (albeit seldom enforced) on cat ownership in HDB flats.
To be honest, Dou Dou and Dee Doo have been somewhat neglected since Tobie was born, but thankfully they have been quite content to walk around and occasionally catch cockroaches and lizards and butterflies for fun. Even so, thanks to their hunting prowess the cockroach and lizard population in our house have diminished to such a point that there`s hardly anything left to catch!
They are not exactly the most loving of siblings, but sometimes they hang out close enough for these pictures to be taken! Grateful for them, and for the tireless work of animal advocates all these years so that they can be legitimate occupants of Studio Asobi!
Jun 11
Celebrating the monthiversary of 11 May 2024, or National Up-To-Two-Cats-Allowed-In-HDB-Flats Day! Our two ladies had been illegal squatters for 6 years before the government finally reversed their 35 year ban (albeit seldom enforced) on cat ownership in HDB flats.
To be honest, Dou Dou and Dee Doo have been somewhat neglected since Tobie was born, but thankfully they have been quite content to walk around and occasionally catch cockroaches and lizards and butterflies for fun. Even so, thanks to their hunting prowess the cockroach and lizard population in our house have diminished to such a point that there`s hardly anything left to catch!
They are not exactly the most loving of siblings, but sometimes they hang out close enough for these pictures to be taken! Grateful for them, and for the tireless work of animal advocates all these years so that they can be legitimate occupants of Studio Asobi!
ROLLING PASTURES
Silky jade fabric
Laid across a concrete land
Bearing life again
I started on this piece randomly, while demonstrating to a student how to make a thin rectangular plate. But the more I played with it the harder it was to put it down, and I continued shaping it throughout the rest of the day, long after class ended! Here it is after applying our newly developed, as yet unnamed glaze. What should we name it?
Seeing this photo, I`m reminded of the lush green pastures of Manhattan`s Central Park, where I spent many a pensive evening during my undergrad years. And also a song I wrote recently, inspired by (or perhaps plagiarised from) Psalm 23.
ALL I NEED
You make me lie down in pastures green
By quiet waters refresh my soul
I walk on righteous paths for You guide my feet
In Your presence I have all I need
And though I walk in the shadows of the darkest valley
I will fear no evil for You`re walking with me
For Your rod and Your staff are my comfort
The Lord is my shelter, the Lord is my Shepherd
You lay a feast for me before my foes
You bless my crown with oil, I overflow
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
In Your presence I have all I need
I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Seek your face all the days of my life
I will dance in the house of the Lord
Sing your praise all the days of my life
And though I walk in the shadows of the darkest valley
I will fear no evil for you`re walking with me
For your rod and your staff are my comfort
The Lord is my shelter, the Lord is my Shepherd
And I have all I want
I have all I need
For You are all I want
You are all I need
May 5
ROLLING PASTURES
Silky jade fabric
Laid across a concrete land
Bearing life again
I started on this piece randomly, while demonstrating to a student how to make a thin rectangular plate. But the more I played with it the harder it was to put it down, and I continued shaping it throughout the rest of the day, long after class ended! Here it is after applying our newly developed, as yet unnamed glaze. What should we name it?
Seeing this photo, I`m reminded of the lush green pastures of Manhattan`s Central Park, where I spent many a pensive evening during my undergrad years. And also a song I wrote recently, inspired by (or perhaps plagiarised from) Psalm 23.
ALL I NEED
You make me lie down in pastures green
By quiet waters refresh my soul
I walk on righteous paths for You guide my feet
In Your presence I have all I need
And though I walk in the shadows of the darkest valley
I will fear no evil for You`re walking with me
For Your rod and Your staff are my comfort
The Lord is my shelter, the Lord is my Shepherd
You lay a feast for me before my foes
You bless my crown with oil, I overflow
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
In Your presence I have all I need
I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Seek your face all the days of my life
I will dance in the house of the Lord
Sing your praise all the days of my life
And though I walk in the shadows of the darkest valley
I will fear no evil for you`re walking with me
For your rod and your staff are my comfort
The Lord is my shelter, the Lord is my Shepherd
And I have all I want
I have all I need
For You are all I want
You are all I need
Would you buy the pink cup (look closely)?
When I was younger, my mum influenced in me a rather strong sentimentality towards material objects, with the idea that everything has a soul, and feelings. And so I grew up a bit of a hoarder, particularly with things like souvenirs, presents I received, and objects I have used for a long time. Throwing things away felt like an abandonment, a cruel disregard of what each object represented.
The turning point for me came, ironically, with an act of abandonment. When I lost my first relationship, it was absolutely devastating. But in my recovery journey, part of my healing came from gathering all the letters and mementos from that relationship and throwing all of it away. It was painful, like carving away a part of my body, but it freed me to emerge from my self torment and experience the abundance that God had in store for me.
Nowadays, I don`t attribute feelings to inanimate objects anymore. But I do still have a softness of heart for objects that remind me of the beauty and frailty of the human condition. Like this soothing pink and white cup, which looked perfect for a second while I was removing it from the kiln, before I noticed that it had two unglazed spots due to the glaze`s imperfect adhesion to the clay body. Unforeseen of course, when we brushed on the glaze. Adding to the disappointment was the fact that it was a commissioned piece, and so I had the additional hurdle of reporting this to our customer and offering a range of options including remaking the cup entirely.
To our surprise and immense gratitude, our wonderful customer chose to receive the cup as it is, adding that she appreciates that these things happen with handmade pottery. For some reason, her words redeemed the way I looked at this cup, and I began to feel a sense of tenderness, even affection, towards it.
Is this the way we should approach ceramics? No easy answers here. Too much acceptance of imperfections can cause us to become sloppy, while too great a pursuit of perfection can cause us to be anxious and unforgiving.
And how might this carry over to our stewardship of our marriage, our parenting, and our own lives?
Apr 30
Would you buy the pink cup (look closely)?
When I was younger, my mum influenced in me a rather strong sentimentality towards material objects, with the idea that everything has a soul, and feelings. And so I grew up a bit of a hoarder, particularly with things like souvenirs, presents I received, and objects I have used for a long time. Throwing things away felt like an abandonment, a cruel disregard of what each object represented.
The turning point for me came, ironically, with an act of abandonment. When I lost my first relationship, it was absolutely devastating. But in my recovery journey, part of my healing came from gathering all the letters and mementos from that relationship and throwing all of it away. It was painful, like carving away a part of my body, but it freed me to emerge from my self torment and experience the abundance that God had in store for me.
Nowadays, I don`t attribute feelings to inanimate objects anymore. But I do still have a softness of heart for objects that remind me of the beauty and frailty of the human condition. Like this soothing pink and white cup, which looked perfect for a second while I was removing it from the kiln, before I noticed that it had two unglazed spots due to the glaze`s imperfect adhesion to the clay body. Unforeseen of course, when we brushed on the glaze. Adding to the disappointment was the fact that it was a commissioned piece, and so I had the additional hurdle of reporting this to our customer and offering a range of options including remaking the cup entirely.
To our surprise and immense gratitude, our wonderful customer chose to receive the cup as it is, adding that she appreciates that these things happen with handmade pottery. For some reason, her words redeemed the way I looked at this cup, and I began to feel a sense of tenderness, even affection, towards it.
Is this the way we should approach ceramics? No easy answers here. Too much acceptance of imperfections can cause us to become sloppy, while too great a pursuit of perfection can cause us to be anxious and unforgiving.
And how might this carry over to our stewardship of our marriage, our parenting, and our own lives?
GREYPINK
There once was a rock
Beside whom a flower bloomed
They were beautiful
It`s quite fascinating to see what colours couples choose. These two sit surprisingly well together, even though they are very different! One matte, one glossy; one stiff, one flowy; one neutral, one pastel.
Makes me think about relationships - what makes a couple compatible? Is it better to be similar in personality or opposites? Or a mix of both?
On another note, not taking anything away from the beautifully textured Ash glaze, but this firing of the Blush and Pearl blend really turned out amazing. I actually made a mistake - glazed the whole cup Blush before I realized it, and then had to scrape it off below to re-apply the Pearl glaze. But it flowed so well, and that little drip had the self control to stop and solidify less than a millimetre before touching the kiln shelf, which would have damaged the glaze. The blend was also really smooth. Very reluctant to give away such precious pieces!
Apr 19
GREYPINK
There once was a rock
Beside whom a flower bloomed
They were beautiful
It`s quite fascinating to see what colours couples choose. These two sit surprisingly well together, even though they are very different! One matte, one glossy; one stiff, one flowy; one neutral, one pastel.
Makes me think about relationships - what makes a couple compatible? Is it better to be similar in personality or opposites? Or a mix of both?
On another note, not taking anything away from the beautifully textured Ash glaze, but this firing of the Blush and Pearl blend really turned out amazing. I actually made a mistake - glazed the whole cup Blush before I realized it, and then had to scrape it off below to re-apply the Pearl glaze. But it flowed so well, and that little drip had the self control to stop and solidify less than a millimetre before touching the kiln shelf, which would have damaged the glaze. The blend was also really smooth. Very reluctant to give away such precious pieces!