Impressed Ceramic Dish

Impressed, a porcelain dish with concave depressions or receptacles 'impressed' into its surface, explored the natural material properties of porcelain clay and how those characteristics could be manipulated in an innovative way; along with the process of making ceramic wares, to merge a fluidity of form with ceramic casting techniques. The form of the dish, a large tray-like surface supported by legs that are formed from the concave depressions in the top of the dish, makes it difficult to sustain without it collapsing in the middle during the firing process because of its weight. Its positioning in the kiln also makes applying the glaze very challenging. Through a series of experiments with different ways of firing and glazing, including the manipulation of temperature and time, and the steps in the process of applying the glaze, a ceramic dish was achieved with a unique fluidity of form and function. With its continuous surface, the dish allows sauces and condiments, typically served in separate dishes, to be served with food on the one dish, while still remaining separate from each other. Culturally, the project reconsiders ways of serving food in both Asian and Western contexts. It was exhibited in the 2004 International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York and selected for discussion in a public Forum 'Live@ICFF'; the 2005 'Avant-garde Industrial Design: Philadelphia Airport' Philadelphia, USA; and 'Feliciti with...' at Felissimo, Design House, New York 2005. It has been featured in the international press including Metropolitan Magazine