Smoke Ring Globe Vase by Julianne Ahn

For the 2021 Wing on Wo & Co. annual Asian-American Ceramicist Fair, Julianne Ahn built upon the theme of “Future” in regard to the Asian American Community by creating a collection of ceramics that nest in one another or stack, alluding to the concepts of growth and optimism. The minimal, geometric forms loosely reference Russian Matryoshka dolls and Korean ceramics as a means to respect our ties to the traditional and history, while also bringing those traditions into the present. They also wanted to reference, on a small scale, the proportions and uniformity found in Gothic Cathedrals and Eastern Architecture, spaces created from smaller parts that coalesce into a space for harmony, truth, and personal meaning. They’re honored to participate in this year’s fair and hope that their body of work can come to signify the importance of personal engagement–whether through daily rituals, through the traditions of communing for food and stories or simply by being part of a household that aspires to love.

Julianne Ahn launched Object & Totem in 2011 as an independent ceramic studio, producing wheel-thrown jewelry and tableware. Drawing inspiration from Bauhaus design, optical art, vintage artifacts, everyday objects, and ancient Korean ceramic forms, the studio has since evolved to encompass one-of-a-kind vases, limited edition vessels, select tableware, and small sculptures for both functional and decorative use. Julianne holds a BFA in Textile Design from The Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA in Fiber & Materials Studies from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.