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.
"I want to buy you flowers!"
We happened to walk past some flowers on display when we were coming home from school today. Excitedly he started counting how much money he had in his wallet. He had just enough for a pretty bunch of chrysanthemums and I was touched by his loving heart:)
What a sweetie boy! He also made this cute figurine some time ago. I think it`s meant as a self portrait haha!
Apr 24
"I want to buy you flowers!"
We happened to walk past some flowers on display when we were coming home from school today. Excitedly he started counting how much money he had in his wallet. He had just enough for a pretty bunch of chrysanthemums and I was touched by his loving heart:)
What a sweetie boy! He also made this cute figurine some time ago. I think it`s meant as a self portrait haha!
A fork in the road
Yet eyes on the same north star
Brother and sisters
Before our sister Nicole was born, @jasminlaujm and I were always at loggerheads with each other. It didn`t look that way on the outside, because we went to the same school, studied the same subjects, and did everything together. But we disagreed on lots of things, and it didn`t help that she always scored just that one grade better than me every year!
Well, that was my perspective for a good part of our childhood. Whenever we fought, it was always easy to overlook the hours of make-believe stories we told each other before bedtime; the deep conversations about life; the adventures and mishaps we went through together; and even the occasional Monopoly games that I won (or maybe she just let me win??). It was only after Nicole came into the picture that we started to appreciate each other as we nurtured her together, discovering that our strength lay in working alongside each other rather than striving to excel apart.
In university, Jasmin was studying in another state when I texted her one day asking for financial help. I did not know how to handle long distance relationships then, squandering a lot of money on calling cards just to maintain a floundering relationship. Meanwhile, she was pursuing two degrees, while working and playing sports at the same time. It was hard to ask this of my younger sister, but she was the only one I could seek help from. To my surprise, she sent me more than what I had requested with no questions asked, and instantly all the needless animosity I had harboured as a child vaporised.
We both came to know the Lord while in university, and this has profoundly changed our lives. Our parents` wish was for us to become doctors, but I am now a craftsman and Jasmin has just begun her campaign as a political candidate, after serving faithfully for decades in public service. Nicole is still our baby sister, but now also an excellent lawyer and DOTA gamer(?!). Our paths look wildly different but I couldn`t ask for more wonderful siblings to journey through life with.
Who knows what lies ahead, but may God always be the lamp unto our feet, and the light unto our path!
Apr 13
A fork in the road
Yet eyes on the same north star
Brother and sisters
Before our sister Nicole was born, @jasminlaujm and I were always at loggerheads with each other. It didn`t look that way on the outside, because we went to the same school, studied the same subjects, and did everything together. But we disagreed on lots of things, and it didn`t help that she always scored just that one grade better than me every year!
Well, that was my perspective for a good part of our childhood. Whenever we fought, it was always easy to overlook the hours of make-believe stories we told each other before bedtime; the deep conversations about life; the adventures and mishaps we went through together; and even the occasional Monopoly games that I won (or maybe she just let me win??). It was only after Nicole came into the picture that we started to appreciate each other as we nurtured her together, discovering that our strength lay in working alongside each other rather than striving to excel apart.
In university, Jasmin was studying in another state when I texted her one day asking for financial help. I did not know how to handle long distance relationships then, squandering a lot of money on calling cards just to maintain a floundering relationship. Meanwhile, she was pursuing two degrees, while working and playing sports at the same time. It was hard to ask this of my younger sister, but she was the only one I could seek help from. To my surprise, she sent me more than what I had requested with no questions asked, and instantly all the needless animosity I had harboured as a child vaporised.
We both came to know the Lord while in university, and this has profoundly changed our lives. Our parents` wish was for us to become doctors, but I am now a craftsman and Jasmin has just begun her campaign as a political candidate, after serving faithfully for decades in public service. Nicole is still our baby sister, but now also an excellent lawyer and DOTA gamer(?!). Our paths look wildly different but I couldn`t ask for more wonderful siblings to journey through life with.
Who knows what lies ahead, but may God always be the lamp unto our feet, and the light unto our path!
This is one of the more dreaded sights when opening a kiln! To find that some glaze has flowed onto the kiln shelf and caused the vessel to chip off. Sometimes we get away with some minor sanding, but for this one we had to bring out our brand new Ingco rotary tool, which we bought after I plugged our trusty Dremel into the wrong transformer socket causing it to self destruct.
The hazards of being a home potter aside, it was actually a rather therapeutic morning spent slowly grinding away the damaged glaze and trimming the chipped clay surfaces down till they became nice and smooth and somewhat artistic!
When we first started our pottery journey, we used to be horrified whenever such accidents happen. But 10 years on, we have thankfully established a much more peaceful relationship with clay!
There will always be good days, and bad days. But many a good day can come from what started off as a bad one!
Apr 6
This is one of the more dreaded sights when opening a kiln! To find that some glaze has flowed onto the kiln shelf and caused the vessel to chip off. Sometimes we get away with some minor sanding, but for this one we had to bring out our brand new Ingco rotary tool, which we bought after I plugged our trusty Dremel into the wrong transformer socket causing it to self destruct.
The hazards of being a home potter aside, it was actually a rather therapeutic morning spent slowly grinding away the damaged glaze and trimming the chipped clay surfaces down till they became nice and smooth and somewhat artistic!
When we first started our pottery journey, we used to be horrified whenever such accidents happen. But 10 years on, we have thankfully established a much more peaceful relationship with clay!
There will always be good days, and bad days. But many a good day can come from what started off as a bad one!
For as long as civilisation has existed, humans have always drawn inspiration from nature. The life force in the natural world attracts imagination across different cultures and urges us to admire and represent it in art forms which delight our human spirit.
There has been much debate about the relationship between AI and artists. As makers, we choose to believe in the irreplaceable role of humans - however flawed and imperfect we are - in culture making. Making is so innate in our human nature that the youngest children do not have to be taught before they naturally create.
The moment an emotion is captured - be it in a sentence, a song, a poem, a vessel - it is something precious to be protected in this sense-making of our world and our lives.
During our single session pottery workshops, we meet with a lot of beginners with little or no experience with pottery. Yet, with some guidance they often make such beautiful things as they allow themselves to take some risks and make something different.
Just like these birds which perched precariously and were prone to mishaps in the drying/firing stage, they now stand tall and beautiful, reminding me how powerful our minds, and our two hands, can be. There is something very sacred and special in human life and the way we make creative decisions, something I believe algorithms can never replace, unless we abdicate our humanity. It`s a choice we have to make.
#life #creativity #pottery #potteryworkshops #culture
Apr 5
For as long as civilisation has existed, humans have always drawn inspiration from nature. The life force in the natural world attracts imagination across different cultures and urges us to admire and represent it in art forms which delight our human spirit.
There has been much debate about the relationship between AI and artists. As makers, we choose to believe in the irreplaceable role of humans - however flawed and imperfect we are - in culture making. Making is so innate in our human nature that the youngest children do not have to be taught before they naturally create.
The moment an emotion is captured - be it in a sentence, a song, a poem, a vessel - it is something precious to be protected in this sense-making of our world and our lives.
During our single session pottery workshops, we meet with a lot of beginners with little or no experience with pottery. Yet, with some guidance they often make such beautiful things as they allow themselves to take some risks and make something different.
Just like these birds which perched precariously and were prone to mishaps in the drying/firing stage, they now stand tall and beautiful, reminding me how powerful our minds, and our two hands, can be. There is something very sacred and special in human life and the way we make creative decisions, something I believe algorithms can never replace, unless we abdicate our humanity. It`s a choice we have to make.
#life #creativity #pottery #potteryworkshops #culture
Made these globe bowls for an engaged couple. It`s quite a challenge to get the rims to fit exactly, but also quite satisfying when they do!
Made me think a little about our marriage journey. When we were dating, there were so many things that made us feel we were right for each other - similar worldviews, similar temperaments, similar love for music.
But as the years of marriage went by, and especially after our son was born, we found ourselves with more and more questions:
"Why are you so particular?"
"Why are you so forgetful?"
"Why did you let our son fall down again?"
"Why can`t you just let our son fall down just once?" "
"Why would you spend so much money on this?"
"And why would you spend so much money on that?"
As the stakes rose, so did our voices. But through many arguments (and subsequent apologies) we have come to realize that our differences, rather than making us incompatible, were what rounded off our marriage perfectly. So many times we were kept from harm by one person`s prudence, and so many times we were led to amazing encounters by the other`s spontaneity. God brought us together because we needed each other, in ways that we only appreciated when we chose to appreciate each other.
And from this appreciation, we have not only rediscovered affection, but also uncovered a precious and growing admiration for each other!
Apr 2
Made these globe bowls for an engaged couple. It`s quite a challenge to get the rims to fit exactly, but also quite satisfying when they do!
Made me think a little about our marriage journey. When we were dating, there were so many things that made us feel we were right for each other - similar worldviews, similar temperaments, similar love for music.
But as the years of marriage went by, and especially after our son was born, we found ourselves with more and more questions:
"Why are you so particular?"
"Why are you so forgetful?"
"Why did you let our son fall down again?"
"Why can`t you just let our son fall down just once?" "
"Why would you spend so much money on this?"
"And why would you spend so much money on that?"
As the stakes rose, so did our voices. But through many arguments (and subsequent apologies) we have come to realize that our differences, rather than making us incompatible, were what rounded off our marriage perfectly. So many times we were kept from harm by one person`s prudence, and so many times we were led to amazing encounters by the other`s spontaneity. God brought us together because we needed each other, in ways that we only appreciated when we chose to appreciate each other.
And from this appreciation, we have not only rediscovered affection, but also uncovered a precious and growing admiration for each other!
Waiting is never easy. Especially when there is no definitive answer nor specific end in sight.
Whether it is waiting to gain clarity or for the fog to lift; waiting for that somebody, or for change to happen, we often wish for things to happen as soon as possible.
It is simply hard to just wait. Yet, what if all that waiting serves a purpose? What if the waiting was for our own hearts to change? What if we can be more at peace while waiting?
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope” - Psalm 130:5
Let`s come together in this season of Lent to find rest in our souls, and to explore this theme of waiting through the moulding of clay.
#retreat #rest #soulcare #pottery
Mar 4
Waiting is never easy. Especially when there is no definitive answer nor specific end in sight.
Whether it is waiting to gain clarity or for the fog to lift; waiting for that somebody, or for change to happen, we often wish for things to happen as soon as possible.
It is simply hard to just wait. Yet, what if all that waiting serves a purpose? What if the waiting was for our own hearts to change? What if we can be more at peace while waiting?
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope” - Psalm 130:5
Let`s come together in this season of Lent to find rest in our souls, and to explore this theme of waiting through the moulding of clay.
#retreat #rest #soulcare #pottery
First of all, none of these were done by us! I don`t think even in my wildest creative spurts I would make a fortune cat with a giant muscular arm (although I`ve since learnt that it`s a thing? and also kinda makes sense?).
But as we look back on our work, these pictures do help us clarify what we do, and what we are about. The openable ring holder was a project, prototyped and crafted together across a crazy 8 sessions of workshops, in preparation for C`s proposal to his now fiancée. If you`ve ever tried making a pure ceramic piece that has functioning hinges, you`ll know how foolish this endeavour can be! But, spurred on by C`s craziness, we sat down and agonized over this box, spending many hours trying to figure out how to design a hinge mechanism that not only would work, but that a complete beginner can make on his own. Like, he really wanted to make it ON HIS OWN.
After the proposal, he told me, "She said it`s very ugly and kept crying." So turns out his fiancée is actually a pottery hobbyist and architect, and thankfully knows how to appreciate beauty of the heart! Anyway this wonderful couple have since returned for some workshops, in which they have made two more lovely creations that would adorn their future home! Guess who made what!
When I think about this, I remind myself that we aren`t here to make excellent art. We are here to enjoy making things with our hands, to play with the earth, and to walk joyfully with those whom God has blessed us to travel with on this path of life, whether for the long term or for just a little while. And when that happens, beautiful things appear!
Feb 27
First of all, none of these were done by us! I don`t think even in my wildest creative spurts I would make a fortune cat with a giant muscular arm (although I`ve since learnt that it`s a thing? and also kinda makes sense?).
But as we look back on our work, these pictures do help us clarify what we do, and what we are about. The openable ring holder was a project, prototyped and crafted together across a crazy 8 sessions of workshops, in preparation for C`s proposal to his now fiancée. If you`ve ever tried making a pure ceramic piece that has functioning hinges, you`ll know how foolish this endeavour can be! But, spurred on by C`s craziness, we sat down and agonized over this box, spending many hours trying to figure out how to design a hinge mechanism that not only would work, but that a complete beginner can make on his own. Like, he really wanted to make it ON HIS OWN.
After the proposal, he told me, "She said it`s very ugly and kept crying." So turns out his fiancée is actually a pottery hobbyist and architect, and thankfully knows how to appreciate beauty of the heart! Anyway this wonderful couple have since returned for some workshops, in which they have made two more lovely creations that would adorn their future home! Guess who made what!
When I think about this, I remind myself that we aren`t here to make excellent art. We are here to enjoy making things with our hands, to play with the earth, and to walk joyfully with those whom God has blessed us to travel with on this path of life, whether for the long term or for just a little while. And when that happens, beautiful things appear!
Our nation is built on the blood and sweat of many migrant workers. These beautiful homes we live in, the cool indoor temperature we enjoy, even the neatly mowed grass in this garden city that many of us only paid attention to when, several years ago, their tireless work was paused briefly at the height of COVID.
Most of the meagre wages they make here in our affluent nation are sent back to their hometowns where their often large families depend on their continued income stream. To first pay back the hefty loans incurred just for a chance to work here, and then to survive the harsh conditions that many of them live in. But some of these workers get injured along the way, and this can be devastating for them. Some do not dare to let the families know about their situations. Some are driven to despair, knowing that there is no way to pay back their high interest loans.
We can`t change policies, or redeem their debts, or heal their injuries. All we can do is to talk together, laugh together, and mould a little vessel together. But perhaps during this time, something happens that wouldn`t have happened if they were just sitting in their dorms, waiting to be sent back home, wondering what cruelty the future holds.
And perhaps, in the beauty of these vessels moulded in their own hands, they can see some beauty too in the rough hewn lives they have been given in this world.
Feb 24
Our nation is built on the blood and sweat of many migrant workers. These beautiful homes we live in, the cool indoor temperature we enjoy, even the neatly mowed grass in this garden city that many of us only paid attention to when, several years ago, their tireless work was paused briefly at the height of COVID.
Most of the meagre wages they make here in our affluent nation are sent back to their hometowns where their often large families depend on their continued income stream. To first pay back the hefty loans incurred just for a chance to work here, and then to survive the harsh conditions that many of them live in. But some of these workers get injured along the way, and this can be devastating for them. Some do not dare to let the families know about their situations. Some are driven to despair, knowing that there is no way to pay back their high interest loans.
We can`t change policies, or redeem their debts, or heal their injuries. All we can do is to talk together, laugh together, and mould a little vessel together. But perhaps during this time, something happens that wouldn`t have happened if they were just sitting in their dorms, waiting to be sent back home, wondering what cruelty the future holds.
And perhaps, in the beauty of these vessels moulded in their own hands, they can see some beauty too in the rough hewn lives they have been given in this world.
What do we have in common? Wheels! 😄
It was really fun and lovely hosting the nice folks from @cycleprojectstore yesterday! Apart from watching their fine motor skills applied to pottery, we even had an impromptu opportunity to pull out our table tennis table and have them practice another type of spinning! :D (Yes our home studio is small but surprisingly equipped haha)
It was really nice hearing the journey of this fellow homegrown brand and till we meet again!
P.S. check out their amazing store in Tiong Bahru for all bike enthusiasts!
#wheels #pottery #workshop #madeinsg #play #singapore
Feb 19
What do we have in common? Wheels! 😄
It was really fun and lovely hosting the nice folks from @cycleprojectstore yesterday! Apart from watching their fine motor skills applied to pottery, we even had an impromptu opportunity to pull out our table tennis table and have them practice another type of spinning! :D (Yes our home studio is small but surprisingly equipped haha)
It was really nice hearing the journey of this fellow homegrown brand and till we meet again!
P.S. check out their amazing store in Tiong Bahru for all bike enthusiasts!
#wheels #pottery #workshop #madeinsg #play #singapore
Across fields of snow
Single bloom heralds the spring
Winter bids farewell
We were reluctant at first to take on this commission, as it felt like a complex project with quite a few things that could go wrong. I have only made two reliefs as detailed as this, and one of them was when I was learning pottery! And neither had I thrown porcelain before, so I had no idea if I would be spending a lot of effort without being able to see a good result, and furthermore this was meant to be a birthday present for a special person.
But then I remembered that this perspective surely isn`t what Studio Asobi is about. We set out on an adventure to discover new things, to enjoy the work of our hands, and to share this joy with those around us. But I guess sometimes the stress of Primary School and other things in life does get to us a little!
So we bravely took on this commission, and it turned out to be a wonderful experience. Not only from the satisfaction of throwing a decent porcelain vase and carving a decent carnation but from the chance to connect with a new friend briefly yet meaningfully on this road of life.
A friend recently asked me what I thought about the statement "We should separate the effort from the outcome". It`s a common phrase but it made me stop and ponder for a while. I don`t think I can ever separate effort from outcome. When I put in effort to achieve a certain result, I would have to be a robot not to attach some hope in a satisfactory outcome! And to tell myself "it`s the effort that counts" just sounds like a conciliatory statement. But I think there`s something else here. When we see meaning and take pleasure in the work, when we connect our hearts with others in the process, that is, I feel, the greater reward. Then the outcome just becomes its own thing - still important but no longer the only thing that matters.
Feb 15
Across fields of snow
Single bloom heralds the spring
Winter bids farewell
We were reluctant at first to take on this commission, as it felt like a complex project with quite a few things that could go wrong. I have only made two reliefs as detailed as this, and one of them was when I was learning pottery! And neither had I thrown porcelain before, so I had no idea if I would be spending a lot of effort without being able to see a good result, and furthermore this was meant to be a birthday present for a special person.
But then I remembered that this perspective surely isn`t what Studio Asobi is about. We set out on an adventure to discover new things, to enjoy the work of our hands, and to share this joy with those around us. But I guess sometimes the stress of Primary School and other things in life does get to us a little!
So we bravely took on this commission, and it turned out to be a wonderful experience. Not only from the satisfaction of throwing a decent porcelain vase and carving a decent carnation but from the chance to connect with a new friend briefly yet meaningfully on this road of life.
A friend recently asked me what I thought about the statement "We should separate the effort from the outcome". It`s a common phrase but it made me stop and ponder for a while. I don`t think I can ever separate effort from outcome. When I put in effort to achieve a certain result, I would have to be a robot not to attach some hope in a satisfactory outcome! And to tell myself "it`s the effort that counts" just sounds like a conciliatory statement. But I think there`s something else here. When we see meaning and take pleasure in the work, when we connect our hearts with others in the process, that is, I feel, the greater reward. Then the outcome just becomes its own thing - still important but no longer the only thing that matters.
Peekaboo! We enjoy seeing how creativity and self expression emerges through the process of engaging with a new craft like pottery:)
There is some level of risk taking involved as we can never be sure if some attachment will make it till the end (some fragile parts can break off during drying or after firing) but our workshop participants gamely decide to try nonetheless and fearlessly try knowing that they can be okay even if the parts break or fall off.
On our part, we try to advise the pros and risks involved as well as manage the drying and loading process as carefully as possible so that every part remains intact. We share the joy whenever the pieces turn out as expected or even better!
It`s like life - do we take a chance or do we not? I find that it`s often the inner work before an outcome is concluded that is most important because one has already reconciled difficult feelings within oneself. It`s not dependent on how the circumstances would be, but a willingness to say "yes, I will try" that builds resilience and confidence for a hopeful future.
If you would like to also try out pottery, check out our webpage for more details on how you can sign up for our single session workshops:) They are tailored for beginners with no experience with pottery or craft. It would be fun and rewarding!
#pottery #potteryworkshop #innerwork #takingachance #clay #making #joyoflife #hopefulfuture #singapore
Feb 11
Peekaboo! We enjoy seeing how creativity and self expression emerges through the process of engaging with a new craft like pottery:)
There is some level of risk taking involved as we can never be sure if some attachment will make it till the end (some fragile parts can break off during drying or after firing) but our workshop participants gamely decide to try nonetheless and fearlessly try knowing that they can be okay even if the parts break or fall off.
On our part, we try to advise the pros and risks involved as well as manage the drying and loading process as carefully as possible so that every part remains intact. We share the joy whenever the pieces turn out as expected or even better!
It`s like life - do we take a chance or do we not? I find that it`s often the inner work before an outcome is concluded that is most important because one has already reconciled difficult feelings within oneself. It`s not dependent on how the circumstances would be, but a willingness to say "yes, I will try" that builds resilience and confidence for a hopeful future.
If you would like to also try out pottery, check out our webpage for more details on how you can sign up for our single session workshops:) They are tailored for beginners with no experience with pottery or craft. It would be fun and rewarding!
#pottery #potteryworkshop #innerwork #takingachance #clay #making #joyoflife #hopefulfuture #singapore
Anyone tried this pose yet?
We`ve been slow in getting our son to become a full fledged Studio Asobi apprentice because we haven`t quite figured out how to nurture him in a way that will help him enjoy the work we do in the long term. So for now, we only try to teach him when he really asks for it! It`s not easy, though, to teach a child the electric wheel when he is still pretty short! So after a bit of trial and error, we co-created a posture that for now gives him maximum stability - one hand against the splash pan, one knee up like a coffeeshop uncle to support his other arm. Not sure if this is the most sophisticated way to pull a cup but it works!
There was a period, in the first few years of our marriage, when I balked at the idea of having a child. And a period, shortly after Tobie was born, when I just felt overwhelmed by the challenges of parenthood. Perhaps there will come a time when I will feel overwhelmed again, but for now it is just such a joy to go on this adventure of life together with Huiwen and Tobie. Ok most of the time - sometimes I just want to curl up and sleep and let Huiwen settle all the homework that hasn`t been done!
He`s our child, but he`s also not ours, in a sense. God has given us the privilege of accompanying him for hopefully a good part of his life before he takes on this world by himself. We`ve discussed a fair bit about what is important during this period, and of course nobody really knows the answer, but I do hope that he will grow up to know that God loves him, and that we love him. And that because of this, he too can love those around him with fullness of heart, calmness of mind, and his own unique pose!
Jan 20
Anyone tried this pose yet?
We`ve been slow in getting our son to become a full fledged Studio Asobi apprentice because we haven`t quite figured out how to nurture him in a way that will help him enjoy the work we do in the long term. So for now, we only try to teach him when he really asks for it! It`s not easy, though, to teach a child the electric wheel when he is still pretty short! So after a bit of trial and error, we co-created a posture that for now gives him maximum stability - one hand against the splash pan, one knee up like a coffeeshop uncle to support his other arm. Not sure if this is the most sophisticated way to pull a cup but it works!
There was a period, in the first few years of our marriage, when I balked at the idea of having a child. And a period, shortly after Tobie was born, when I just felt overwhelmed by the challenges of parenthood. Perhaps there will come a time when I will feel overwhelmed again, but for now it is just such a joy to go on this adventure of life together with Huiwen and Tobie. Ok most of the time - sometimes I just want to curl up and sleep and let Huiwen settle all the homework that hasn`t been done!
He`s our child, but he`s also not ours, in a sense. God has given us the privilege of accompanying him for hopefully a good part of his life before he takes on this world by himself. We`ve discussed a fair bit about what is important during this period, and of course nobody really knows the answer, but I do hope that he will grow up to know that God loves him, and that we love him. And that because of this, he too can love those around him with fullness of heart, calmness of mind, and his own unique pose!
This chip and dip bowl was made by two of our students (a couple) and they spent a really long time working on it, lovingly joining, trimming and glazing. But upon firing, we were bummed to find some really big cracks! These weren`t hairline cracks, they went through the entire wall of the vessel. But not to be defeated, we decided to take a risk and refire the piece. We grinded the thick glaze areas so they wouldn`t flow too much, and filled the cracked areas with glaze in the hope that the melted glaze would bind the cracks together. And it turned out great!
But during the rather arduous fixing process, in which our expensive rotary tool actually got fried due to an accident, I inevitably wondered, was this piece worth fixing? After all, there was no guarantee that it would be successful - in fact, the crack could get worse, the glaze could melt down onto the kiln shelf causing unnecessary damage, or new cracks could even appear due to the stress of repeated firing. But, driven by the force of curiosity, we decided that "what if it works?" was more compelling than "what if it doesn`t?"
Recently, we had a few conversations with friends who were at crossroads. A strained marriage. A new stressful season of family life. A health crisis. Estranged family members. Situations which need to be fixed, but yet the fixing process seems daunting, and the outcome is uncertain. Does one press ahead into the unknown? Or is it better to stay put in a familiar situation, however unpleasant it may be? I have no answers, but I do know that Studio Asobi was birthed upon the premise of "what if this works?" And that has made all the difference in our lives.
Jan 14
This chip and dip bowl was made by two of our students (a couple) and they spent a really long time working on it, lovingly joining, trimming and glazing. But upon firing, we were bummed to find some really big cracks! These weren`t hairline cracks, they went through the entire wall of the vessel. But not to be defeated, we decided to take a risk and refire the piece. We grinded the thick glaze areas so they wouldn`t flow too much, and filled the cracked areas with glaze in the hope that the melted glaze would bind the cracks together. And it turned out great!
But during the rather arduous fixing process, in which our expensive rotary tool actually got fried due to an accident, I inevitably wondered, was this piece worth fixing? After all, there was no guarantee that it would be successful - in fact, the crack could get worse, the glaze could melt down onto the kiln shelf causing unnecessary damage, or new cracks could even appear due to the stress of repeated firing. But, driven by the force of curiosity, we decided that "what if it works?" was more compelling than "what if it doesn`t?"
Recently, we had a few conversations with friends who were at crossroads. A strained marriage. A new stressful season of family life. A health crisis. Estranged family members. Situations which need to be fixed, but yet the fixing process seems daunting, and the outcome is uncertain. Does one press ahead into the unknown? Or is it better to stay put in a familiar situation, however unpleasant it may be? I have no answers, but I do know that Studio Asobi was birthed upon the premise of "what if this works?" And that has made all the difference in our lives.
医治 (Healing) has been a word on my mind over the past months as we worked on resolving a health challenge for a family member.
The "secrets" to a healthy life are actually not secrets at all because they are widely known and promoted. When practiced, we see the fruits by way of healthy seniors who remain mentally sharp, emotionally happy, physically fit, relationally supported and spiritually fulfilled.
It is not easy you may say, and that is true. Knowledge is empty except when they are put to practice. With many good goals in life, there are 1000 ways to deviate, leaving a narrow and straight path to reach the desired destination. Unmet new year resolutions are a classic example of how we desire to get rid of bad habits and to create new good habits but the flesh is weak and the self-control lacking.
Having said that, there are still many ways to stay on the narrow and straight path if we understand the root principles. It is a little like pottery, in the sense that there are many techniques to make the same cup and we have freedom to explore which techniques are more suited to our own temperaments and circumstances.
Because of our family members` health challenges over the years, we have gained some understanding of what works and what doesn`t work (and we are still trying to get more healthy ourselves too!).
Emotions play such a big part and this is known but still overlooked. Perhaps it needs to be explicitly stated in the prescription! E.g. laugh heartily for as many times a day, avoid being triggered with anger, let go of unforgiveness, and do not worry etc.
In this rainy season where skies are dark and gloomy, may we each find our piece of sunshine wherever we are. Look at the flowers of the field, look at the birds of the air, look at beauty in nature that refreshes our spirits and which teaches us about the cycles of life and death.
Each day is a gift of life and may we learn from the hearty laughs of children that wonder and joy can be found in the smallest of things. May God bless you and heal you in your area of need.
祝大家身体健康，身心宽敞！
Jan 13
医治 (Healing) has been a word on my mind over the past months as we worked on resolving a health challenge for a family member.
The "secrets" to a healthy life are actually not secrets at all because they are widely known and promoted. When practiced, we see the fruits by way of healthy seniors who remain mentally sharp, emotionally happy, physically fit, relationally supported and spiritually fulfilled.
It is not easy you may say, and that is true. Knowledge is empty except when they are put to practice. With many good goals in life, there are 1000 ways to deviate, leaving a narrow and straight path to reach the desired destination. Unmet new year resolutions are a classic example of how we desire to get rid of bad habits and to create new good habits but the flesh is weak and the self-control lacking.
Having said that, there are still many ways to stay on the narrow and straight path if we understand the root principles. It is a little like pottery, in the sense that there are many techniques to make the same cup and we have freedom to explore which techniques are more suited to our own temperaments and circumstances.
Because of our family members` health challenges over the years, we have gained some understanding of what works and what doesn`t work (and we are still trying to get more healthy ourselves too!).
Emotions play such a big part and this is known but still overlooked. Perhaps it needs to be explicitly stated in the prescription! E.g. laugh heartily for as many times a day, avoid being triggered with anger, let go of unforgiveness, and do not worry etc.
In this rainy season where skies are dark and gloomy, may we each find our piece of sunshine wherever we are. Look at the flowers of the field, look at the birds of the air, look at beauty in nature that refreshes our spirits and which teaches us about the cycles of life and death.
Each day is a gift of life and may we learn from the hearty laughs of children that wonder and joy can be found in the smallest of things. May God bless you and heal you in your area of need.
祝大家身体健康，身心宽敞！
Today, a student wanted to replicate a vase, so I decided to do a quick demo for her. First one actually collapsed, much to my embarrassment! But it was so refreshing to get back on the wheel again after the school holidays, and we had a great time practicing our observation of forms and figuring out how to copy a shape as accurately as possible without measuring tools. And at least the second attempt turned out well!
When I started making vessels, I would tell myself that every piece is unique, so I don`t have to try too hard to make things look the same. But I`ve since also discovered a joy in reproducing forms, the same way that I enjoyed copying pictures as a young child. There`s a satisfaction in seeing how a vessel gradually morphs into the right proportions with just a little touch here and there. And also a deeper satisfaction that after a decade of doing pottery as a full time job, I still enjoy the feel of clay in my hands!
Jan 4
Today, a student wanted to replicate a vase, so I decided to do a quick demo for her. First one actually collapsed, much to my embarrassment! But it was so refreshing to get back on the wheel again after the school holidays, and we had a great time practicing our observation of forms and figuring out how to copy a shape as accurately as possible without measuring tools. And at least the second attempt turned out well!
When I started making vessels, I would tell myself that every piece is unique, so I don`t have to try too hard to make things look the same. But I`ve since also discovered a joy in reproducing forms, the same way that I enjoyed copying pictures as a young child. There`s a satisfaction in seeing how a vessel gradually morphs into the right proportions with just a little touch here and there. And also a deeper satisfaction that after a decade of doing pottery as a full time job, I still enjoy the feel of clay in my hands!
Every time we go to the playground or beach, my hands itch to make something. This time, it`s a chubby sand man (ok maybe sand troll) carved from the sides of a giant trench created by my boy and two other kids (good practice for their future National Service!). Didn`t have time to refine him because of the looming rain, but it was still a valiant effort!
My index finger was also in pain for the next few days due to bruising from the frantic digging. But worth it! May we always discover beauty in the things around us, and may we always find the time to enjoy it!
Dec 22
Every time we go to the playground or beach, my hands itch to make something. This time, it`s a chubby sand man (ok maybe sand troll) carved from the sides of a giant trench created by my boy and two other kids (good practice for their future National Service!). Didn`t have time to refine him because of the looming rain, but it was still a valiant effort!
My index finger was also in pain for the next few days due to bruising from the frantic digging. But worth it! May we always discover beauty in the things around us, and may we always find the time to enjoy it!
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