Jolie Ngo is a visionary artist whose journey in the world of ceramics began at the Rhode Island School of Design, initially through the sculpture program. Despite a rocky start and a brief hiatus, her passion for the art form was reignited after working alongside a sculptor. Returning to RISD, Ngo was determined to challenge and innovate within the medium by merging traditional techniques with modern technology and influences from digital aesthetics and her Vietnamese-American heritage.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Artist: Jolie Ngo
Location: Santa Barbara, California
Inspiration: Vietnamese Heritage and Digital Aesthetics
Ngo has been transforming ceramics by expertly combining 3D printing technology with hand-painted imagery, influenced by the pixelated visuals of her childhood favorites, Minecraft and The Sims. Her work not only bridges the past and present but also infuses elements of her cultural background. Traces of her Vietnamese roots can be seen in the faceted forms and textures reminiscent of traditional silk lanterns and the layered landscapes of rice paddies, adding a unique personal dimension to her creations.
Among her cherished objects is a water dropper shaped like a turtle, a rare artifact recovered from a 15th-century Hội An shipwreck. This sentimental piece is more than just an artifact; it represents a tangible connection to her Vietnamese heritage and the mysteries of her family’s past. Its existence is a poignant reminder of the surviving cultural legacy, bridging her everyday ceramic practice with her familial lineage.
Residing in Santa Barbara, California, Ngo’s creations are renowned for their vibrant interplay of colors and textures, crafted through techniques like airbrushing and controlled drips that evoke cosmic landscapes. Her dynamic pieces have garnered substantial attention on social media platforms like Instagram, where they captivate a global community of ceramic enthusiasts, further highlighting her unique approach to ceramics.
Ngo’s artistic pursuits extend beyond her own work as she finds inspiration in other creators and artifacts that reflect her dual passions for ceramics and architecture. She admires the works of Ron Nagle for the impactful expression achieved at a modest scale, embodying a philosophy she strives for in her craft. Moreover, Ngo’s fascination with architectural forms in ceramics is mirrored in her appreciation for the diverse and intricate brick facades of Chicago.
Her current favorites reflect her eclectic interests, from the avant-garde design of the Bioscleave House by Arakawa and Madeline Gins, which challenges and engages inhabitant senses, to the resonant melodies of Caroline Polachek’s album, “Desire, I Want to Turn into You.” In the studio, her go-to footwear and technology of choice—Calzuro Work Clogs and the Bambu Lab X1C 3D Printer—perform crucial roles, providing comfort and facilitating the seamless transition from digital concepts to tangible art.
Dynamic and deeply personal, Jolie Ngo’s work in ceramics exemplifies her commitment to innovation while honoring tradition, inviting viewers and fellow enthusiasts to explore the intersections of technology, cultural heritage, and artistry. Her journey illustrates not only personal growth and discovery but also the profound impact of art as a medium for connection and conversation across time and cultures.
