ABOUT

Jotham Hung is a ceramic artist born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. His work explores an interplay between clay and story-telling, specifically echoing his childhood as a first generation Taiwanese-American. Jotham’s ceramic work highlights regenerative practices, utilizing remnants of what would traditionally be deemed as “waste” or “mistakes” to create a unique visual language. The surfaces of these hand-thrown forms capture fragments of broken pots, exploded pieces from the kiln, or excess material from the making process. These themes relate to the scarcity mindset that children of immigrant-parent households sometimes hold. This is especially true when perceived value within objects are dictated by certain socio-economical and hierarchal structures. Furthermore, themes of deconstruction & reconstruction, damage & repair are integrated into his work, expressing the connection between humans and art.

Having over a decade of experience within the ceramics field, Jotham has taught and lectured at institutions including ArtCenter College of Design, the American Museum of Ceramic Art, and Xiem Clay Center. His work has been exhibited in galleries, museums, and showrooms throughout the United States.

Process

Every piece I make begins on the pottery wheel. The textural qualities on the surface are created by incorporating elements of clay “waste”, recycled trimmings, fragments of broken pottery, and mishaps from the elemental nature of the firing process. The theme of deconstruction and reconstruction are integrated into how I form the work, highlighting the volatile and cyclical nature of the medium.
The materials used in each piece are high-fire stoneware clay bodies along with ceramic glaze that are fired up to 2300 F in the kiln.

Instagram: @jothamhungceramics
Email: jothamthung@gmail.com