The Memory of Pots: Naoko Tanikawa and Sally Ng
Naoko Tanikawa and Sally Ng, both featured artists for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and part of the fabric of the Clay Art Center community, reflect on cultural influences in their work.
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Clay Art Center is spotlighting artists of Asian descent in our Shop community, including Naoko Tanikawa and Sally Ng. Naoko was born in Japan and raised in the U.S., though her pottery journey started in Italy when she joined her mother, Noriko Tanikawa, (also a longtime member of the community at Clay Art Center) for a program at La Meridiana. Sally grew up in British colonial Hong Kong, where she gained an appreciation for delicate porcelain, before immigrating to the U.S. Both artists trace elements of their heritage in the forms and techniques that shape their ceramic practices, finding inspiration in memories of their upbringings, and they took the time to share more about how their respective cultures impact their work.
Naoko Tanikawa
Q: How does your Japanese heritage impact your ceramic work, if it does?
It’s part of our culture to use different ceramic pieces for different foods - for example, rice, gyoza, hotpot, spinach ohitashi are all served in different plates and bowls. The memory of these pots influence the forms I envision when throwing.
Q: Is there an aspect of your heritage that you integrate into your work?
Because there is limited space in most Japanese homes, stackability and size matters, especially when making items for family in Tokyo. I also often make fox or dog sculptures to top off lidded pots because I love the image of komainu guarding shrines.
Q: Do you have something new you're trying or a different project on the horizon?
I’m trying to make bigger forms, with more natural, soft curves that I associate with East Asian wood fired pots, more “wabi sabi,” accepting of passing of time and imperfections.
Sally Ng
Q: How does your identity as a Chinese immigrant impact your work in ceramics, if it does?
As a member of the first generation of Chinese immigrants, I continually find myself inspired by the vibrant and multifaceted heritage of Chinese culture and traditions. This cultural background plays a pivotal role in shaping my creative approach, enabling me to weave genuine motifs and themes from my roots into my work. These elements not only reflect the depth of my heritage, but also embody personal experiences and treasured memories, infusing each piece with authenticity and meaning.
Q: Is there an aspect of your heritage that you integrate into your work?
Having grown up in Hong Kong during its time as a British colony, I was immersed in a vibrant mix of cultures, though my experiences were rooted primarily in Cantonese Chinese traditions. My mother had a deep appreciation for porcelain, and during the 1960s, she would often take me along as she browsed shops for Chinese porcelain vases, figurines, and tableware. These outings sparked my fascination with porcelain’s delicate translucency and the flawless quality achieved through natural woodfiring. Today, porcelain clay remains my primary medium for creating ceramic art, and I continue to be drawn to the organic beauty and time-honored technique of woodfiring in my practice.
Q: Is there something particularly meaningful or joyful about woodfiring for you?
My surroundings, Chinese cultural heritage, and treasured memories continually inspire my woodfired ceramics, serving as a dynamic and lasting foundation for my creativity. Working with ceramics allows me to channel not only personal stories, but also to forge a tangible connection with those experiences—preserving moments that mere recollection cannot fully capture. Each piece born from the woodfire process is an invitation for others to engage with these memories, echoing the elegance and wonder found in the natural elements of woodfiring. Whether designed to cradle a cup of tea, showcase a delicate bouquet, or simply delight the eye, my aim is for every creation to embody a timeless beauty—one that persists and resonates across time.
