Sean Gin: Colorful Ceramics, Structural Fashion & Art-Filled Travel
The ceramic artist shares his under-the-radar picks
I felt Sean Gin’s bold, beautiful, and textured presence through his ceramics, displayed at Joanna Williams’ heavenly Kneeland Co., even before we met in person. I was taken with the slightly off-kilter shapes of his vessels, his use of texture, the unexpected color combinations (I am a lover of bold color), and his distinctive coiling technique that creates a thumb imprint in every piece.
As I learned more about him — such as his interest in the Japanese philosophy of simplicity, imperfection, and impermanence in design known as wabi-sabi, and how he draws inspiration from avant-garde fashion leaders and newcomers alike — I understood even more why I am so drawn to the stunning objects he creates.
His interview below is just as layered, featuring up-and-coming artists and designers he thinks more people should know about, the places around the world that have inspired him, and a peek inside his playful creative process.
Q&A
Your vessels have such a distinct visual style. How did you discover your artistic voice?
Honestly, it was through making a lot of bad art, practice, and play that I was able to find my voice in clay. I’ve always had an interest in textures and color theory, and my vessels just ended up being the perfect palette for both of them to collide. Though my art may change, the throughline will always be my use of color and texture.
What fuels your creativity within or outside of your professional world?
For ceramics inspiration, I’ve always loved Ben Medansky’s work, especially these new tile installation pieces he’s been creating. They make you want to run your hands all over them to know how they feel.
Also, the works of Raina Lee are super inspiring! She, too, plays around with texture, but her mastery of special-effect glazes blows my mind.
Outside of my professional world, what fuels my creativity is fashion, especially what these young, contemporary, avant-garde designers are creating these days. Ayham Hassan blows my mind with his attention to detail, Myah Hasbany is in a league of their own with their creations, and the work by Tomo Koizumi is beyond words!
There’s artistry in their construction. There’s artistry in mixing and matching clothes. I love it all, and everybody wears things differently. Rei Kawakubo (of Comme des Garçons) and Issey Miyake will forever be my icons.
What sort of environment do you like to create in your home? What are some favorite pieces that help you curate that vibe or that bring you the most joy day-to-day?
My home is pretty eclectic with art that my husband and I have collected over the years, whether purchased from the artist or thrifted. I certainly have plenty of my own pieces on display, but to be honest, I love showcasing other people’s work! One of my favorite pieces I splurged on is “Coco Chanel Dokkaebi” by Jeffery Sun Young Park.
Something that always makes me smile is this quartet of different colored apples, each with a funny expression, by Lili Todd. I have this gorgeous seaweed green vessel that I love decking out with seasonal arrangements by friend and mentor Akil. And every morning, I drink coffee out of a signature mug by dear friend Chie Fujii.
What is your favorite quote, motto, or mantra? How does it impact how you approach your work or life?
I don’t necessarily have any of those, but I do bring wabi-sabi into my life and work. Wabi-sabi is the Japanese philosophy of acceptance of imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness. Once I accepted that into my practice, the anxiety of comparing myself to others washed away.
Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers by Leonard Koren is probably the best and most digestible resource!
Is there a book you find yourself visiting again and again? Why do you find it so profound?
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong is hands down my favorite book. It deals with so many different things like race, family, class, and masculinity, most of which I’ve dealt with my whole life. In a way, I felt heard.
Paid subscribers get access to the full interview below, including more under-the-radar creatives Sean thinks you should know about, his art-filled travel recommendations, a behind-the-scenes peek into his studio practice, and a look at his previous photography career. I hope you’ll consider becoming a paid subscriber to support our work — and a huge thank you to those who already do!