The hand-pinching ceramicist
- Alvin specialises in making unconventional wood fired teaware
- He built a wooden tea house in his workshop to test his teaware
- He developed the hand-pinching method himself
Alvin Ng has two professional facets: he is an award-winning visual communication designer on one hand, and a teaware artist on the other. Alvin discovered his passion for pottery later in life and decided to start making original, non-traditional teaware. His search for simplicity and fullness in reflecting nature’s generosity is consistent with his enriching yet simple life. Very active in preserving Singapore’s culture, Alvin co-founded a lifestyle company and co-wrote a book that depicts a fresco of his city-state-country with humour and perspective. Alvin has developed a unique pinching technique named the 'hand-pinched method' that allows him to form cups, teapots and small dishes by hand out of natural clay and achieve more organic forms.
Interview
- Did you learn your craft from a master?
- I have been trained in the fundamentals of coiling and wheel-throwing under various masters in Singapore and Bangkok. I was introduced to the pinching technique by another master: Richard Brandt. It is my favourite technique so far as it allows me to achieve a more natural and organic form.
- What are your specialisation skills?
- My pinching method is unique. Within a few minutes, I can pinch and trim a cup. Using my self-developed ‘hand pinching method’, I let the clay play a leading role in forming itself into various organic shapes, thereby enhancing the texture and characteristics of natural clay.
- What is it about your work that people do not normally know?
- I use local clay and glazes exclusively. I also burn my own ashes and grind my own soils and stones. I only use pure materials because I always explore three senses when I create: sight, touch and taste. My teaware aspires to delight the eye, relax the mind and quench thirst.
- Can you tell us a memorable moment in your professional life?
- I was invited to showcase my work at the First Taiwan International Chawan Festival in 2019 which is a highly renowned fair. I sold all my chawans (Japanese tea sets) in a few hours.
Alvin Ng is a rising star: he began his career in 2016 and he started teaching in 2020
Works
Where
Alvin Ng
