Fong Choo
Fong Choo is known for his miniature, sculptural, amazingly colored teapots. The teapots bodies are thrown and altered on the wheel, and then embellished with handbuilt handles, feet, and spouts. He then layers glazes to get amazing surfaces. A native of Singapore, Fong attended college in North Carolina with graduate work in Kentucky at the University of Louisville. He is inspired by his Chinese heritage, and particularly in the long tradition of Yixing pottery. His teapots are small and jewel-like.
Fong Choo at MudFire
Gallery group show American Masters Biennial, June 2010
Fong Choo Artist Statement
What is so exciting about looking at a sleeping tiger?"
"Nothing. But if you take a stick and poke at it, you will remember that tiger for the rest of your life!"
This is part of a conversation I once had at the Minnesota Zoo.
In many ways, this parallels my attitude towards clay: it requires poking to awaken it. One must push the limits, test waters, search, prod and explore its many boundaries.
For more than ten years my work has been focused on Miniature Teapots. Recently, I have been exploring the teapots "growing up". The teapot form continues to challenge and fascinate me. The work shown in this gallery is the result of over a decade of evolution in color, design and form. I invite you into that place.
I feel blessed to be able to pursue the life of a potter -- especially when it requires poking the sleeping tiger...
