Captured by Tatsiana Tribunalova
ABOUT
Chi Cao Hanh is a Berlin-based ceramics artist whose work focuses on the traditional Japanese burning method of Raku. Making vessels and vases of varying sizes, Chi hand builds the pieces in her Berlin studio before completing the wood-firing process outdoors, bringing each piece to life under the influence of air, water and fire. Chi mixes her own glaze pigments and metallic fragments to create colours and textures that resemble the earth, sea and planets. For Chi, working with ceramics is a form of meditation. Pure, unconditional thoughts and absolute focus form the basis of unique, hand-made techniques and forms.
The studio Chi Ceramic was founded in 2018 as an outlet for her handmade collections of unique objects, going on to create bespoke pieces for commissions and exhibitions. Chi later spent time in Ubud, Bali working with potters from around the world to create pieces that captured the spirit and essence of the sacred island.
CERAMIC LAMP COLLECTION 2023
I'm pleased to share with you my first collection of lamps, "Ceramic Lamp Collection"
I have always intended to make objects with a purpose, that can be both beautiful and useful. But the decision to create a series of lamps came from both a desire and a necessity, as during my pregnancy I have had to put the Raku firings on hold due to the exposure to smoke and fumes, and instead stick to the simpler methods of traditional kiln firing. As with my vases, these lamps are made by hand in my studio, but hopefully they can find their way into different corners of a home or space than a vase normally would; a bedside table, reading lamp or as in my case sitting beside the baby's cot in anticipation of our new arrival.
I wanted to combine the earthly colours and textures of the ceramics with something more bright for the lampshades: bold and simple is not something I normally get to do, and I felt these added a playful touch, helping to bring some brightness into our homes as we transition into the lighter months.
Handmade with love in Berlin.
SUPER MOUNTAIN St. Moritz
WHEN ART, DESIGN AND CRAFTS ARE BECOMING ONE
Very often, our visitors tend to have difficulties in putting us in an appropriate drawer. Therefore, they ask us:
"Why are you serving good coffee, presenting worldwide known artists next to hand-crafted jewels or curative skin balm made with ingredients from the Engadin?
For us, the answer is very simple: We really love everything that we present and showcase at the Super Mountain Market. It is a great honour for us to work and represent all the creative minds who developed this pieces of pure beauty!
Come and visit us:
Monday – Sunday
10:00-19:00
Forum Paracelsus, St. Moritz Bad
How to find us:
https://www.superstmoritz.com
“DORF” 2022 Same Sky Series
Hello,
we the Dorf artist group are happy to announce this years “Dorf” exhibition.
Dorf 5 will come back to it’s birth place Wullenstetten (Germany), where the four exhibited together in 2017 for the first time. Following exhibitions at MEWO Kunsthalle, Kunstverein Ulm, two “Dorf” editions in Lisbon, Portugal and again Wullenstetten, this years edition will include HASSINA TAALBI FATMA GÜDÜ NEDA AYDIN LARS FISCHER THOMAS ZIPP ANNA PAUL JONATHAN MEESE CHI CAO HANH NUNO FERREIRA FELIX SCHRÖDER.
The exhibition opening will be accompanied by the release of the first Dorf book. Documenting and summarising all recent exhibitions with additional texts by Emily Baker, Daniela Baumann, Florian Schröder, Nadine Ziegler and Moritz Wilken, photographs by Marie-Luise Mayer and new drawings by the four Dorf Group members.
Group Exhibition “Dorf”
Where: Im Gerinne 2, 89250 Senden/Wullenstetten
When: 16th of July 2022
HOT MESS Vernissage: Sunday May the 22th in Berlin
“MOON” first Solo Exhibition at Soho House Berlin 30th of April 2022
‘MOON’ is Chi Cao Hanh’s first solo exhibition. Here she presents a series of large vessels which resemble the traditional Korean ‘moon jar’: a functional vessel that dates back to the 14th century. The collection is inspired by the shapes and nature of the universe; the process of creation contemplates the fragility of the human existence, with the finished product reflecting the durability and longevity of the earth and its materials.
MOON Solo Exhibition at Soho House Berlin
April the 30th 2022
“Inspiration for these pieces and my work in general comes in many forms. Nature, its beauty, fragility, and the mandatory need to preserve it, is a constant and very tangible influence when working elements of the Earth. But it’s the intangible connection of Earth to it’s surroundings that allows me to freely channel my own creativity into the materials - finding surges of inspiration and motivation from the moon and it's cycles. For me, the moon is a reminder of my own wanderlust and longing for freedom, a symbol of peacefulness, tranquility, and boundlessness. Not always visible, but it’s presence always felt. Our closest ally and yet a constant reminder of that very fragility with which we and all around us exists.”
REBIRTH
“The piece ‘Callisto’, dedicated to a friend who passed away in 2020, is one such reminder of this fragility. Her passing led me to trying to find ways of explaining or understanding this process. It opened my eyes to the notion of cyclical rebirth that is found in Buddhism and other religions. Most commonly this is presented in the context of life and death. With this in mind, the form is defined by two halves: two mirrored paths, two arches that bridge the divide between them (life and death), to form an ellipse, the eternal cycle that transcends one’s present circumstance (rebirth).
This concept can also be applied to the ability of reinventing oneself. To continuously burn a belief or connection, in order to produce something new and hopefully better in its place. The foot (base of the vase) is holding a big ball in the shape of the moon, with beginning and endpoints that form paths around the body. This tends to be how we often contextualise our circumstances: the day begins and ends, as does the year, as does the life. However, the notion of cyclical rebirth can blur these points of beginning and end into one – forming a single, eternal path. No beginning, no end. This pairing of both defined and eternal paths that form the body denotes our uncertainty and anxiety towards the notion of rebirth, in any context. To have faith in this process is one of the hardest things we grapple with. We often question if we can complete a necessary rebirth, in order to get out of some current circumstance. So we live within these defined paths of beginning and end, but hope to one day gather enough courage to undergo a rebirth. To make contact with the eternal path, in pursuit of a better life.”
HERITAGE
“And lastly, the shapes that you see here are on ode to the Korean moon jar: a traditional white porcelain vessel made during the Koseon Dynasty that date back to the 14th century. Both practical and decorative, these vessels carry within them something to nurture. Made to be passed on and accompany us through generations, holding within them the same energy that gave birth to them.”
- Chi Cao Hanh
