Art For Heart Sake

Ceramicist JEANETTE ADRIENNE WEE moulds a future in pottery art.

- TAY SUAN CHIANG

At the heart of Jeanette Adrienne Wee's artistic vision is the Balancing Act collection, a series that encapsulates her philosophy. Each piece comprises a functional item, like a cup or bowl, delicately balanced atop an organic, non-functional sculptural form.

This juxtaposition symbolises her pursuit of balance, between sustaining an unconventional career and ensuring its longevity.

"The rice bowl, a Chinese metaphor for one's income, is used here as a motif to portray my anxieties in pursuing an artistic path while ensuring it is sustainable," says Jeanette. As such, the 33-year-old artist has taken on dual roles accepting private commissions under her Jean Adrienne label, where she can indulge her creativity, and crafting commercial pieces for Ves, her pottery studio and school, which supports her team and business operations.

CRAFTING CONNECTIONS

Having been a full-time ceramicist for seven years, Jeanette has gained a reputation that draws a diverse clientele from individuals to brands such as whisky powerhouse Glenfiddich and fashion label Massimo Dutti, garnered by word-of-mouth referrals and her prolific social media presence. The fact that she studied under Iskandar Jalil, Singapore's most renowned potter, also burnishes her credentials.