These Clay Expressions Speak to All
Making thoughts and emotions tangible through porcelain sculpture
Johnson Tsang
See
Johnson Tsang’s porcelain sculptures of heads are always expressive and sometimes surreal. His life experiences have influenced his work. After having spent 13 years as a police officer, he wondered if he had wasted time that he could have spent on his art. Looking back now, he realizes how important that path was to his development as an artist and as a man. Working on the force, he saw many bloody scenes. He recognizes the impermanence and beauty of life. The importance of treating people well and valuing conversations because this might be the last time is something that will be with him forever.
Say
“When life goes upside down. It’s still fun.”
This quote and sculpture encompasses Tsang’s outlook on life. After a stroke in 2022 left him with very little ability to move his right arm and leg, he keeps a positive attitude and love and appreciation for all experiences.
"Fortunately, I have an open mind and accept what life has to offer me, so I don’t miss out on any experiences. I opened the right mind and became aware of being truly alive like never before." Johnson Tsang
How might your mindset influence the way you navigate and cope with adverse situations? How might you cultivate a positive mindset?
What experiences have you had where your mindset made a difference for the better (or worse)?
Which of his sculptures above do you prefer? Why?
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Sign up for in-person drawing and painting workshops in Minneapolis, MN, in January! Registration is now open, but space is limited.
Do
Are you curious about how he sculpts such realistic faces? Watch Tsang ‘Having Fun with Babies’
Read ‘On the Practice of Right Mindfulness’ by Prof. David Dale Holmes
Get some modeling clay (Sculpey or Monster Clay) and give it a try! What mood would you like to convey in your face sculpture?
About Johnson Tsang
Born in Hong Kong, Johnson Tsang’s works mostly employ realist sculptural techniques accompanied by surrealist imagination. In 2002, Johnson started to represent versatile splashes with ceramics. He created the Yuanyang series, which was then collected by the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Yingge Ceramics Museum of Taiwan.
During the past decade, Johnson has developed his techniques for capturing the instantaneous moment of splashes with white porcelain. In 2011 and 2012, Tsang’s works, “Bowls of Fantasy” and “Splash of Wonder,” were awarded the Special Prize of Korea Gyeonggi International Ceramix Biennale 2011 International Competition and Grand Prize of 2012 Taiwan International Ceramics Biennale, respectively. Johnson is the first Chinese artist who has received both of these two prestigious international ceramics awards.
Apart from ceramics, Tsang has worked on stainless steel sculptures and public art projects since 2004. He has been commissioned by a number of private and public organizations. In 2009, Tsang received “The Secretary for Home Affairs' Commendation” from the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for his outstanding achievements in international art events. Since 2014, Tsang has been appointed as the Museum Expert Advisor of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
Tsang has begun working again. Watch for updates on his website and his Instagram account. www.johnsontsangart.com, Follow on Instagram
Johnson Tsang’s path has been circuitous. Read the full story: Ceramic Artist Johnson Tsang’s Career and Life Celebration in Arts, Artists, Artwork.
DON’T MISS OUT!
Sign up for in-person mindfulness and painting workshops in Minneapolis, MN, in January! Registration is still open, but space is limited.
Join Wonder Mob, a community of ‘wonderers’ like you! Now offering events and classes to foster your sense of wonder!
I know! So mind blowing!!
I love these! Thanks, Shannon