As an artist, I find myself particularly drawn to the intersections of food, music, culture, and ceramics.

My broad range of interests invariably converges on my primary medium: ceramics.

The history of ceramics is rich and interactive, spanning diverse applications from ritualistic uses and food storage to architectural elements in both ancient and modern structures, as well as integral components in contemporary electronics and machinery. This multifaceted utility inherent in ceramics fascinates me as utility involves interaction between body or bodies (user/users) and object, creating an experience through the use of an object.

“31. Pho dac Biet” is my favorite and most ordered menu item at Blossom Restaurant. The combination pho contains many parts, and I like to experience all the different flavors and textures. The pho menu has special importance to me as well, as I started providing the pho bowl as the first functional form that I have been making for the Blossom, which has forged my relationship with the restaurant.

This show is an exploration of recent and long time fascinations in traditional ceramic utility. Large vessels of various shapes have been used historically for unique functions including some that are less known; as fermentation and storage jars, training devices, and sound amplifiers. The surfaces are a cumulative result of textures and glazes I have been exploring in the last few years. My intent is to address multiple functions in combination with texture and color, while keeping the forms simple to stay tuned in the vessel. The title “31. Pho dac Biet” comes from my personal liking and relationship I feel towards the menu item, and as my expression of appreciation towards something simple yet tasteful.