Jason Lim

 

Fruits of Labour (Singapore)

Reflections by ceramicist Jason Lim on his new exhibition 'Fruits of Labour 2005'. Jason Lim explores and experiments with the notion of Singapore taste – the typical elements observed in traditional Singaporean ceramics. Lim uses repetition as a methodology and organic forms as a theme to work with.

(At La Libreria 2 – 17 December 2005, Studio Miu 18 December 2005 – 18 January 2006, Singapore)

 

		The starting point of my recent works is to capture natural rhythmic patterns. I do not look for ideas but ideas found me through the medium of clay. Preconceived ideas may be good but it renders the clay as something secondary. I am interested in finding a form that is brought forward by the hand. Repetition is my methodology; organic forms provided me a theme to work with. – Jason Lim.
Drawing Series 41cm (diameter, largest), Stoneware 2005

		In Drawing Series, I started out by pressing a slab of clay or rolling coils of clay onto a plaster mould to get a form for making drawings (surface markings). The bowl-form is appropriate for drawing when it attains a shape of a contact lens. A bowl radiates outward, it becomes a metaphor for human consciousness and our strange existence in space. The drawings are not illustrative but metaphorical. Allowing the imagery to be more ambiguous and less factual allows for the possibility of metaphor and also allows viewers to bring into play their own association. A decoration that is too literal wraps everything up. – Jason Lim
Drawing Series 54 x 47 x 3cm, Terra Cotta 2005

Table Object Series 39 x 16 x 7cm, Stoneware 2005		Table Object Series 43 x 19 x 33cm, Terra Cotta 2005

		I am not worried about where the clay comes from, I recycle and mix my clay. I use mainly the electric kiln and occasionally attempt to fire a gas kiln. I work in a space offered to me rent free, a general work area. It is a common space where ideas, tools and materials occasionally get stolen. This carefree and elementary way of working, serves as a way to release me of the burden of tradition, the tradition of bringing glaze recipes and skills to the grave. Working with ceramics without the burden of tradition releases me from conventional and colloquial wisdom. I have the freedom to explore a wide range of possibilities with different shapes, textures, and colors. – Jason Lim.
Table Object Series 36 x12 x 8cm, Stoneware 2005

		Ceramics, like any other applied art, has to quote from its past or from outside itself to gain content. But none of these quotations need matter very much to the observer, their main importance rests with the maker providing a subject matter and a theme. Many express uncomfortably [that my work is] abstract and unlovely, they want more symbolism and figuration in the works or, the absolute reverse, a pot-like pot. My works are "containers" of thought and meaning… – Jason Lim.
Table Object Series 28 x 13 x 15cm (Yellow form) 24 x 15 x 9cm (Black form) 33 x 14 x 14cm (Fan form) 43 x 25 x 15cm (Polka form) 2005

Residencies: 1995 (Japan), 2000 (Netherlands), Australia in 2003. He has been awarded the Freeman Fellowship to take up a residency program in Vermont Studio Center in the USA in 2006.

Jason Lim was trained at Central St Martins College of Art & Design (UK), 1992. He holds a Master of Fine Art from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Australia (2003).