By
Eric Wong
Integrating functionality and
aesthetics is the intent of my ceramic works. Through my
utilitarian ceramics and sculptural forms, I try to induce
and to enhance the simple beauty in our daily life.
Utilitarian ceramics is inevitably
linked with food serving. Food, in addition to nurturing
our physical health, promotes our spiritual well being.
Enjoying food in hand-made ceramics is not just a daily
ritual, but also a part of our celebration of life. Through
these utilitarian wares, we can appreciate a culture. In
the presence of the cultural diversity in Canada, my approach
to utilitarian ceramics reflects the synthesis of my ethnic
background and Canadian experience.
To extend the aesthetic aspect
of my utilitarian works, I apply the similar visual elements
to my sculptural forms. These sculptural forms are made
to enrich our contemporary environment with the reflection
of my cultural heritage.
Either through the intimacy
of utilitarian ceramics, or with the visual impact of sculptural
forms, I try to initiate tranquility and harmony in our
present time.
March 2006
Through
my functional and decorative ceramic works, I intend to
enhance the simple joy and beauty in daily life, thereby
to inspire insight and reflection in human nature.
Exhibitions
Solo exhibitions at Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Arts in 1997,
1999 and 2002.
Group exhibitions at
Celadon Clay Art Gallery (Long Island, New York)
The Clay Studio (Philadelphia)
The Guild Shop, Ontarion Craft Council, Toronto
Lill Street Art Centre (Chicago)
Carnegie Gallery (Dundas, Ont.)
Harbourfront (Toronto)
Burlington Art Centre
Sheridan College (Oakville, Ont.) and at
Medicine Hat Public Library (Alberta)
Permanently
Collections
Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Waterloo
University of Guelph, and Burlington Art Centre in Ontario
Residency
Program
May – June 2004 Invited
as Artist in residence at Medalta International Artists
in Residence Program, Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Demonstrations
and Presentations
Conducted workshops and demonstrations
at a number of potters’ guilds
Kawartha, Waterloo, Kingston, London, Thornhill, Toronto,
Fusion, Burlington Arts Centre, Long Island, New York, and
in Hong Kong.
Guest
Lecturer
2002 in China at Xian Academy of Fine
Arts, Tsinghua University in Beijing, Shandong Academy of
Arts, Shandong Academy of Applied Arts and Jindeng Zheng
Ceramic Institute.
Awards
Received Craft Grant from Canada
Council for the Art, Canada in 2001, and 2004.
Craft Grants from Ontario Art Council, in 1999, 2000,
and 2005.
Honourable
Mentions
Ceramic Arts, Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition
in 2002 and 2003.
Honourable mention or Best in Show at a number of local
arts and crafts shows.
Publications
Ostermann, Matthias. Eric Wong: Shino
Potter. Ceramics: Art and Perception. 2001
Issue 44. p.92-94.
Ostermann, Matthias. The Ceramic Surface. 2002.
Strecker, James. Sheridan: the cutting edge in crafts. 1999.
p. 58-59.
Education
Diploma in Ceramics, Sheridan College,
Oakville, Ontario
BA Degree of Fine Arts, National Academy of Fine Arts, Taiwan
