ReCinder x AMANDA TONG: In Perfect Imbalance

Dear Friends, 

Our recently developed ReCinder material is rather unique in nature and inherent qualities. It offers a new approach to ceramic making, along with new possibilities, sensational textures and a spectrum of ultra-local opportunities for creative collaboration, making and manufacturing.

In other words, there is still so much to explore about it, and much to trial in order to understand its limits, but also its full potential. So, in search of the truth, this time we go East.

Amanda Tong is an artist we first became acquainted with years ago. Her work is something we have admired from afar ever since - her craftsmanship, sculptural elegance and delicacy of practice are truly something to behold.

We believe this collaboration began the moment we were introduced to Amanda’s work and ethos - albeit solely in our minds at that point. It had to be the right idea and it had to feel substantial, but how to do that remained the question – at least until not that long ago.

Tong’s approach to practice is rooted in thorough research, material processes and the rich narratives woven through different cultures and traditional rituals. Born in Hong Kong, Amanda graduated with First Class Honours in Ceramic Design from Central Saint Martins. Her work has been exhibited in the UK, New York, Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong, and over the past five years she has dedicated her time to living and working in Japan, further developing her approach and artistic practice.

Amanda was about to embark on a trip to London for a reunion with friends and family, and the timing presented the perfect opportunity to extend her stay for a residency with ReCinder. So, fresh from her recent exhibition in Hong Kong, here she is.

For her residency with us, Amanda reimagines her classic marbled collection, The Perfect Imbalance, recreating her signature functional objects using our ReCinder material.

The Perfect Imbalance is inspired by Yin-Yang food therapy, an integral part of Amanda’s experience growing up within an Eastern culture. At its heart is the idea of balancing opposing energies - an understanding deeply ingrained from an early age and later finding expression through her work.

Much like the traditional, organic process, the vivid marble effect running throughout the collection is achieved by mixing black and white clays.

The ONLY difference is that here, each piece carries the memory of another life - the black and white clay bodies are developed from two separate waste streams: dark and white glazed china, allowing the raw texture and character of ReCinder to come through.

One small, but rather significant, difference in our view.

Taking the desire to create responsibly one step further, this limited edition is complemented by our in-house-developed glaze, itself produced using local waste streams to further minimise the collection’s reliance on virgin materials.

The organic process of combining the black and white clays results in unique compositions that become a material metaphor for our bodies - each of us carrying a unique balance of Yin and Yang energies that must continually be brought back into equilibrium.

The Perfect Imbalance therefore serves as a reminder of the importance of balance and of developing a deeper understanding of our own bodies.

Creating The Perfect Imbalance has always been a study in harmony and tension, Amanda tells us. Pairing distinct clay bodies is a delicate and intricate task - contrasting shrinkage rates create physical tension that can lead to cracking during drying and firing. Overcoming these technical challenges takes years of experience and patience, directly echoing the philosophy at the heart of the collection – how two opposing energies learn to coexist and find equilibrium.

Twelve years into her practice, this collaboration brings Amanda’s journey full circle. Back in London where it all started, she revisits ideas of balance through circular, functional art, while prompting a deeper reflection on the artist’s responsibility towards materials and how creators might better respect raw resources and minimise studio waste.

For us, this collaboration in exploration reveals something equally important - that ReCinder is capable of changing our perspective on materials that, until now, have simply been categorised as waste. It requires us to contemplate the future of secondary materials – I suppose, an ongoing study in true sustainability. 

The Perfect Imbalance, Reimagined limited edition is now available online. Explore the collection – search ReCinder x Amanda Tong.

And, in keeping with the wealth of design taking over London this September, we will also be showcasing The Perfect Imbalance, Reimagined part of IN CYCLES Amanda Tong solo ceramics exhibition from 12–20 September at Touch of Salt, LG, 31 Percy Street, London W1T 2DD.

For those of you who are London-based, do come along - we would love to see you there.