PLAYING WITH FIRE – 3ARTS POTTERY

21 – 27 August 2020

Overview

Exhibition: Playing with Fire by 3Arts Pottery

Date & Time: 

  • Playing with Fire: Tokoname Wood-Firing Exhibition Preview –  21 August 2020 (Fri)  from 11am-9pm (Free admission) 
  • Playing with Fire exhibition – 21 August to 27 August from 11am-8pm (Free admission)
  • Ikebana flower arrangement demonstration by Jenny Chew – 22 August (Sat) and 23 August (Sun) from 3pm-4pm (RSVP only) (free admission)

Venue: Visual Arts Centre Exhibition Gallery

About this exhibition:

Organised by 3Arts Pottery, “Playing with Fire” is a Tokoname Wood-fired ceramics Exhibition showcasing 14 local artists and 2 Japanese master potters’ ceramic artworks that were birthed through the traditional wood-firing Anagama kiln in Tokoname, Japan. The participating artists are Tang Chong Wing, Toh Kiam Hock, Tan Ah Chiew, Tan Geok Chye, Tom Lim, Margaret Lee , Johnny Lee, Wong Juat Ngoh, Hazel Ng, Jaslin Poh, Judith Chew, Kwan Ru Shan, Cassandra Lai, Tan Shao Qi, Peter Seabridge and Masahiro Kumagae.

These beautiful artworks are fired through a long and arduous 3-day process of stoking the fire and flames in the wood-fired anagama kiln. Flying ashes and volatile salts then fill the atmosphere within the kiln, resulting in beautiful natural wood ash-glazed artworks.

The potters spend long hours tending to the 1300 degrees raging fire, with hopes that the high heat and flames will engulf their works so that the natural ashes produced will settle on the clay. This would produce unpredictable colours and textures on their artworks, only achievable by using this traditional technique unrivalled by contemporary firing methods. Playing with Fire exhibition, hence, is filled with surprise and astonish pottery pieces.

For more information about 3Arts Pottery and their Pottery classes, please visit: //www.pottery.sg/

Exhibition View

Tom Lim, who draws inspiration for his artwork from his photography journeys to various parts of the world. An avid aerial landscape photographer, Lim noticed how the once majestic landscapes and terrains have now succumbed to global warming and man-made decadence. Bringing this Texture Series to Playing with Fire, he hopes to shed light on the importance of preserving our environment for future generations to come.

Toh Kiam Hock is a veteran ceramic artist who is known for his rhinoceros sculptures. He is especially drawn to the beauty of the endangered rhinoceros. These unique creatures he creates are achieved after over fifty hours of firing in a wood kiln.

Tang Chong Wing holds a certificate in Ceramics Art from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. He has been teaching since 1991 and has also participated in various exhibitions and demonstrations.

Jaslin Poh is particularly drawn to the wood firing technique, which she first picked up and experimented with in 2017 in Tokoname. Wood firing has since become one of her favourite techniques as it is the most organic and traditional way to fire pottery works.  With a goal to share her experiences and expertise with the local community, she co-founded 3Arts pottery in 2018, and is now working as a full-time teacher there. 

Tan Shao Qi is a recent graduate from the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) from the School of the Arts, Singapore (SOTA). She is currently pursuing her BA (Hons) in Ceramic Design at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London (UAL). Her studio practice revolves around her exploration of Nature, where she seeks to draw a connection between man and the environment. She experiments primarily with clay and explores different mediums such as photography and paper-cutting – through which she makes visible the flora that is often disregarded and overlooked in the urban landscape.

You can visit her website here to learn more: https://www.tanshaoqi.com/

Johnny Lee began to appreciate pottery and its art form after working as an art apprentice in a ceramic factory for 5 years. He then took up a course in Ceramic studies in Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts to further pursue his interest. He began conducting pottery classes since 1989 and has since have numerous students under his tutelage. He is highly skilled at hand building and have created many outstanding pieces – inspired by Japanese pottery. 

Growing up in a kampong, Hazel loved playing with mud. She subsequently found gravitating herself towards the art of pottery. Since she began learning from Dr Iskandar Jalil in 1994, her passion grew as she avidly learnt from overseas experiences as well. Her two trips to Tokoname, Japan, for wood firing workshops was described as “awesome” as the ashes from the pine wood resulted in masterpieces that were so beautiful. Pottery fascinates her because, ultimately, she still surrender in wonder to nature with the birth of every unique piece of artwork.

Our 16 Artists For This Exhibition:

Tang Chong Wing

Toh Kiam Hock

Tan Ah Chiew

Tan Geok Chye

Tom Lim

Margaret Lee

Johnny Lee

Wong Juat Ngoh

Hazel Ng

Jaslin Poh

Judith Chew

Kwan Ru Shan

Cassandra Lai

Tan Shao Qi

Peter Seabridge [ Guest ]

Masahiro Kumagae [ Guest ]

venue here

Our Visual Arts Centre Exhibition Gallery Venue Hire Calendar For 2026/2027 Is Open!

Click Here to Enquire For Bookings Today!
Foundation In Digital Art

Embark on a captivating journey into the vibrant world of digital art! Our Foundation in Digital Art workshop invites budding creatives aged nine and above to unleash their imagination and hone their artistic skills in a dynamic, supportive environment. From mastering basic digital tools to crafting mesmerizing digital masterpieces, children will explore a spectrum of techniques guided by seasoned mentors. Through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, participants will discover the endless possibilities of digital expression while fostering creativity and critical thinking. Join us for an exhilarating adventure where young artists transform ideas into stunning visual realities, igniting a passion for digital art

Colour & Texture Exploration With Acrylic Painting & Collage
Prepare to unleash your inner artist in a kaleidoscope of color and creativity with ‘Colour Blast: Acrylic Painting & Collage Techniques’! Dive into a whirlwind adventure where vibrant hues and mesmerizing textures collide in a symphony of imagination. From mastering the art of seamless color blending to discovering the magic of mixed media collage, this journey is a playground for your artistic soul. With each brushstroke, explore new techniques that breathe life into your canvas, transforming it into a vibrant tapestry of expression. Join us and let your creativity run wild as you embark on this colorful escapade!”
World of Manga [Foundation & Styling]
A manga art workshop for children and teenagers sounds like a fantastic idea! Here’s how you might structure it:
Introduction to Manga: Begin by introducing what manga is, its history, and its influence on popular culture worldwide. Show examples of different manga styles and genres to give participants an overview.
Basic Drawing Techniques: Start with the fundamentals of drawing, such as line work, shapes, and proportions. Provide step-by-step instructions on how to draw basic manga characters, focusing on simple shapes that can be built upon.
Character Design: Move on to character design concepts, including creating unique characters, designing their personalities, and developing backstories. Encourage participants to get creative and think outside the box.
Expression and Emotion: Teach how to convey emotions and expressions through facial expressions, body language, and positioning of characters. This can be a fun and interactive exercise where participants practice drawing various emotions.
Storytelling and Paneling: Explore the basics of storytelling in manga, including paneling techniques, pacing, and layout. Show examples of different panel structures and discuss how they affect the flow of the story.
Inking and Coloring: Introduce participants to inking techniques using pens or markers. You can also cover digital inking for those interested. Then, demonstrate basic coloring techniques using markers, colored pencils, or digital software.
Feedback and Collaboration: Provide opportunities for participants to share their work and receive feedback from their peers and instructors. Encourage collaboration by having them work together on short manga projects or collaborative drawings.
Final Showcase: End the workshop with a showcase of participants’ work. This could be in the form of an exhibition, digital gallery, or printed booklet. Celebrate everyone’s creativity and progress throughout the workshop.
Remember to create a supportive and encouraging environment where participants feel free to express themselves and explore their creativity. And don’t forget to have fun! Manga is all about imagination and passion, so let that spirit shine through in your workshop.
Academy Drawing Traditions
The academy drawing and sketching tradition, rooted in centuries of artistic practice, emphasizes disciplined study of form, proportion, and technique. Originating from Renaissance workshops and formalized by institutions like the Royal Academy, it prioritizes meticulous observation and mastery of fundamental skills. Students progress from basic exercises to complex compositions, learning to depict still life and common objects with precision and expression. This tradition values both classical principles and innovation, encouraging artists to push boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. Through rigorous training and critique, artists within this tradition cultivate a strong foundation for creative exploration and artistic excellence.
Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy
This course on Chinese ink painting and calligraphy introduces young learners to the rich traditions of Chinese art. Through hands-on activities, students explore the basics of brush techniques, ink control, and the delicate art of Chinese script. They learn to appreciate the cultural significance of calligraphy and painting, developing skills in creating elegant strokes and expressive brushwork. The course fosters creativity, patience, and fine motor skills, while also providing insights into Chinese history and aesthetics. By the end, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and a deeper understanding of Chinese cultural heritage.
Funk with Graffiti
Funk With Graffiti Workshop for children is an engaging and creative program aimed at introducing young artists to the vibrant world of graffiti and funk-inspired street style art. Participants learn the basics of graffiti history, techniques, and safety. Guided by professional graffiti artists, children explore the art of designing their unique tags, emphasizing creativity, expression, and individuality. The workshop includes hands-on activities, from sketching concepts to creating final designs with spray paint on provided surfaces. By the end of the session, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and an appreciation for graffiti and funk as legitimate forms of street art. Each child completes two original artworks, which they proudly take home, showcasing their newfound skills and personal style.
Batik Tales

In the Batik Introduction Handkerchief Painting workshop, participants will learn the traditional art of batik, a wax-resist dyeing technique originating from Indonesia. The workshop begins with a brief history and overview of batik, highlighting its cultural significance and various techniques. Participants will then observe a demonstration of applying wax with tjanting tools and dyeing the fabric. Following the demonstration, each participant will design and create their own batik handkerchief, applying wax to create patterns and then dyeing their fabric. The workshop concludes with a group discussion, allowing participants to share their creations and reflect on their learning experience.

Agree Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions – Neon Glow Art Jamming & Colour Blast Party (Saturday Sessions Only)

  1. Participation
    • Participation in the Neon Glow Art Jamming & Colour Blast Party is voluntary. By participating, all participants acknowledge that they understand and accept the nature of the activities and agree to participate at their own risk.
  2. Health & Safety
    • The event takes place in an outdoor festival environment featuring bright lighting effects, flashing lights, amplified music, and high sound levels, which may not be suitable for individuals who are sensitive to light, sound, or have related medical conditions.
    • Participants are responsible for ensuring that they are medically fit to participate in the activities.
  3. Colour Blast Party
    • The Colour Blast Party uses coloured cornflour powder.
    • By participating in the Colour Blast Party, participants confirm that they:
      • Do not have any known allergy or sensitivity to cornflour, corn, coloured powder, or similar materials.
      • Do not suffer from asthma, respiratory conditions, or any medical condition that may be aggravated by airborne powder.
      • Understand the nature of the activity and voluntarily choose to participate.
  4. Face & Body Painting
    • Optional face and/or body painting may be available during the event.
    • Participants choosing to receive face or body painting confirm that they have no known allergies or skin conditions that may be affected by cosmetic or body paint products. Participants with sensitive skin are advised to refrain from participating.
  5. Assumption of Risk
    • Participants acknowledge that participation in the event, including but not limited to art jamming, the Colour Blast Party, face and/or body painting, and related activities, carries inherent risks, including accidental slips, falls, minor injuries, allergic reactions, respiratory irritation, or other unforeseen incidents.
  6. Indemnity and Release
    • By participating in the event, participants agree, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to release, discharge, and indemnify Visual Arts Centre, CHIJMES, their respective officers, employees, volunteers, contractors, sponsors, partners, and representatives from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, expenses, injuries, or actions arising out of or in connection with participation in the event, except where such claims arise directly from the negligence or wilful misconduct of the organisers.
  7. Personal Responsibility
    • Participants are responsible for their own personal belongings and should exercise reasonable care while participating. Appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for an outdoor event are recommended.
  8. Organiser's Rights
    • Visual Arts Centre and CHIJMES reserve the right to refuse participation or remove any participant whose behaviour is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or poses a risk to others. The organisers also reserve the right to modify, postpone, suspend, or cancel the event due to weather, safety concerns, or unforeseen circumstances.

Agree Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions For All Course/Workshop(s) at Visual Arts Centre (VAC):