Ceramicist Jessica Choi’s Unique Sculptural Pieces Embrace Form Meets Function
The Eun Ceramics founder is creating some of our favourite pieces yet for Bed Threads Gallery.
Textured and tactile, ceramics are an ideal focal point to any shared living space or the perfect accompaniment in your solo sanctuary. Melbourne-based creative Jessica Choi – the founder of Eun Ceramics – is creating some of our absolute favourite ceramics, many of which we saw when we toured her calming terrace home and studio. With a focus on creating abstract forms and textures, Jessica’s work is handcrafted in small batches and often manipulated by hand to create unique shapes.
For this series of exceptional originals for Bed Threads Gallery, Jessica has created three sculptural vases that will make for rare additions to your ceramic collection. Each creation turns your everyday bouquet into a show-stopping arrangement and is just as impactful as standalone pieces.
Crafted in a strictly limited edition of just five vessels per design, these statement vases are the perfect blend of form and function and will be available to purchase exclusively at Bed Threads Gallery.
We spoke to Jessica about what inspired this collection and how she styles ceramics in her home.
Hi Jessica! We're so excited to have some of your limited edition ceramics feature as part of our first-ever Bed Threads Gallery. What inspired this collection?
This collection is inspired by re-imagining classic forms with a contemporary twist. From moon jars that date back to the 14th century to retro shell vases, I’ve used forms that are familiar to us with a modern approach, in the hope of creating authentic pieces people feel connected to.
Tell us how these pieces came to life. What does your process look like?
I usually start with brainstorming what I want each piece to generally look like, then develop it as I go along to showcase my skills whilst utilizing the resources I have in the best way possible. It might turn out exactly how I imagined it on the first try if I’m lucky, but most of the time, I’ll need to re-make it multiple times to get it right. I use predominantly wheel-throwing techniques to construct a base form, and more details are added using hand building. I make most of my glazes and constantly experiment with new recipes. All my work is then fired to stoneware temperature and sanded before they head out to their new homes.
What do you love most about working with ceramics?
Being able to create functional objects all on my own with a minimum amount of resources. The possibility of using clay as a medium is endless, and I can realise my vision in a relatively short amount of time.
Which other artistic mediums do you draw the most inspiration from?
I don’t have a particular medium I can pinpoint that inspires me. I used to try to avoid looking at other ceramicists’ work because you can’t help but draw inspiration from their work, and I used to see that as a bad thing. I’m slowly realizing that studying other artists’ work is essential to growing. I tend to get inspiration from my everyday life and through conversations, I have with people around me.
What motivates you to create?
The art of making is what drives to me create. I just really enjoy the making process of pottery and find wheel throwing quite therapeutic. Don’t get me wrong, pottery can be one of the most frustrating and nerve-wracking things when you’re under pressure. But there’s nothing better than throwing clay on a rainy day, with a hot cup of coffee and your favourite playlist playing in the background.
How do you use and style ceramics in your own home?
I like to mix and match. I usually style them in a set of two or three – they can be matching or contrasting in style but must vary in size. It’s important to pay attention to the proportion and colours of its surroundings in order to create a cohesive look.
What should people look for when building a collection of handcrafted ceramics?
Ceramics is very vast, so it depends on what you’re after. For example, some say ceramics with thin walls that are light to hold are ideal; but it’s also more delicate, so people who want them for everyday use might prefer something thicker. There are also low-fired and high-fired ceramics; high-fired ceramics are often considered higher quality, in the sense that it’s more durable. However, it’s harder to achieve bright colours, so if you’re after a vibrant decorative piece, you might prefer low-fired work. The best thing about pottery just like any art is that there are no rules, so just choose something that brings you joy.
Shop one-off original artworks at Bed Threads Gallery.
For more from Jessica, follow her on Instagram @eun.ceramics.
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