More Than Tea: A Geography of Longing
Solo exhibit featuring Danielle Chutinthranond
Curated by Noel Nissen
The art of tea presents an opportunity to sit with a piece of art, while in use. This act of connection to the object and oneself leads to introspection, works throughout this exhibition put on display the act of rigor in describing inspirational forms. The viewer will find several series of works, where the artist is searching - searching on a personal level for an artwork that finds meaning in repetition and critical decision making. Examine the three dimensional works from different angles and perspectives, the action of making can be felt.
About the Artist
Danielle Chutinthranond is an Asian American ceramic artist living and working in Chicago. She is the daughter of Thai immigrants and was raised in a fine dining Pacific Rim/Thai restaurant in Syracuse, NY. Danielle earned a BA in Physics with a specialization in Astrophysics from the University of Chicago in 2008 and worked in the tech industry for 8-10 years following her undergraduate studies. In those years, she transitioned from software development to user experience, ultimately focusing on human-centered design and user research. After leaving her last full-time job in tech, Danielle found clay in 2015 through a class at Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago. In 2016 she started making and selling work under the name Monsoon Pottery and has since been creating functional work for food enthusiasts, chefs, and, as of 2022, tea lovers.
Exploring the history of teaware ignited her interest in exploring the connections between Asian cultures. By looking into the past she is exercising a longing to connect with a part of herself that was once rejected simply because she could not belong or disappear if she had. By making and using culturally significant artifacts the artist is reaching a hand into the past and hoping to commune with ancestors that she feels were unfairly shunned. The artist attempts a healing process marked by traditional forms.
