“A Day in the Life” with Ceramic Production Artist Mabel Tan

November 20, 2019 Admin Arts, Design, Visual Arts

Mabel Tan is an artist working primarily with Ceramics, she came to Calgary from the Island City of Singapore and graduated from Alberta College of Art + Design (ACAD or more recently AUarts.). Mabel has since held many public exhibitions and residencies across Alberta including at Medalta Historical Clay District in Medicine Hat.

Her work is interactive, humours and invites people to engage with the medium. She is currently working in the Ledge Gallery at Arts Commons exploring unique forms for her ever-growing Clayground, which draws inspiration from the environments created in Singapore that combine work and play.

I was impressed to learn that Mabel has also participated in digging at Archaeological excavations in Italy and Singapore. She also gives back to her community as a Board member of the Elephant Artist Relief (EAR)

-Written by Sanja Lukac, Visual & Media Arts Associate at Arts Commons, friend and fellow artist.

Mabel Tan - Have you wondered why you would make lots of noise when you chomp on an apple in a quiet space? But only to be surprised later that it is in fact the vibrations of sound through your bones? Featuring “The original head” - this is piece that started it all.
Mabel Tan – Have you wondered why you would make lots of noise when you chomp on an apple in a quiet space? But only to be surprised later that it is in fact the vibrations of sound through your bones?
Featuring “The original head” – this is piece that started it all.
Mabel Tan - This is normally how I work in the studio.
Mabel Tan – This is normally how I work in the studio.
I find myself constantly challenging the strength and presentation of how ceramics could and should be shown in a space.
I find myself constantly challenging the strength and presentation of how ceramics could and should be shown in a space.
Working with pulleys, cable, rope and lighting are just some methods of my exploration.
Working with pulleys, cable, rope and lighting are just some methods of my exploration.
Featuring “Talking heads”, one of my first few investigative pieces into the Clayground.
Featuring “Talking heads”, one of my first few investigative pieces into the Clayground.
A 2017 show with Truck Gallery in their +15 space titled “Does your body remember how to play?”
A 2017 show with Truck Gallery in their +15 space titled “Does your body remember how to play?”
Mabel Tan - My friend Paige and I, playing in my Clayground.
Mabel Tan – My friend Paige and I, playing in my Clayground.
I finished having a group show with the Alberta Craft Council in Edmonton titled “Many Things at Once”.
I finished having a group show with the Alberta Craft Council in Edmonton titled “Many Things at Once”.

What ‘hood are you in?

I have been living in the vibrant community of Crescent Heights for the last two years.

What do you do?

For my job I work as a Ceramic Production Artist at local studio called Peartree Impressions, where we are the leading manufacturer of clay impression kits for the veterinary industry in North America. It is brilliant environment where passionate and creative individuals work collectively together to create precious keepsakes for their loved ones in clay.

At the same time, for my own creative sanity I work in a humble home studio which I have set up in my living room. It is challenging but incredibly encouraging to constantly work, think and create through clay.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently having residency/studio exhibition at the Ledge Gallery down in Arts Commons, and working on a collection of objects and forms for my Clayground research. At the same time, I am rushing to knit a nice warm scarf for winter!

Where can we find your work?

In person, you can check out my work, along with 5 other amazing Canadian artists in a group show titled “Many Things At Once” at the Alberta Craft Gallery in Edmonton till the 9th of November 2019. If not, you are more than welcome to see me in action at the Ledge Gallery in Arts Commons till the 30th of November 2019.

You can also cyber connect with me through Instagram @mayball or stay in touch through my website mabelanabelle.com.

 

 

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