JENNIFER CHAN

I enjoy exploring the interface between uncertainty in both form and surface- producing both functional and sculptural forms. I returned to the studio after a 15+ year hiatus in 2015, and have taken a new journey with experimental firing techniques, specifically saggar firing, and pursuing a body of surface glazes, including crackle and lave glazes.  My functional work focuses on bringing the uncertainty of nature and the world we live in -  to the table with earth tone  serving bowls, small daily japanese style cooking and serving dishes for both dinner tables,  cooking tabletops, and side tables for snack time.

My saggar pieces are a personal exploration in chemistry, fire, organic material, and combustion environments.  The process of wrapping materials, from seaweed to volatile chemicals is integral to each pieces’ personality and its fragility as it is fired quickly to ranges from 1300-1600F. Each firing is a personal process, adjusting heat, oxygen, and starving the gas kiln to create reduction atmospheres. It reflects a transient level of control - but in the end - respect for what can’t in its entirety be controlled; which is the surface phenomenon that creates each saggar piece differently. Never to be repeated. My saggar pieces are mostly sculptural, meant for a corner of a room, small and unique when discovered.  Or a larger central piece in a room of one’s choice. 

I’ve been working with clay in both functional and sculptural form over 20 years ago with a 15 year pause.  I began classes in functional pottery at Skidmore in the early 1990’s mostly with functional ceramics and early experiences firing pieces in raku kilns.  During undergraduate studies in New York City, I took classes at the Teacher’s College ceramics studio focusing on function pottery and began to work in sculptural forms. From 2001-2002 I explored larger sculptural forms at the ceramics center at Tulane University using one-firing techniques. For over 10 years I did not engage in ceramics as I pursued my medical, public health and humanitarian career. I still practice emergency medicine and support those affected by disasters around the world.