From My Hands to Your Home: The Story of a Wobbly Pig and a Moment of Calm

Have you ever looked at an object and felt like it had a story to tell? For me, every piece of pottery I create holds a little piece of my heart—and a lot of my hands!  I wanted to share the journey of my newest creation: a charming pottery pig that’s more than just a decor piece; it's a little beacon of everyday happiness.

Please visit -> Wobbly Pig

A Modern Twist on a Traditional Friend

This little piggy is inspired by a fun piece of Japanese culture. Have you heard of the Kayari Buta? These are ceramic pigs traditionally used in Japan to hold and burn mosquito coils during the summer.  While my piggy won't be fending off any mosquitos, he carries the same playful, rotund spirit as his ancestors. I love giving new life to old ideas, and this design felt like the perfect way to bring a touch of that whimsical history into a modern home.

The Beauty of Imperfection: A Hand-Guided Journey

As you can see from the making-of photos, this piece is a labor of love. I chose to create this pig using the coil hand-building method on a hand-wheel, rather than the machine-perfect symmetry of a wheel-thrown piece. Feeling the flow today with my trusty hand-wheel. ✨ There's something so liberating about the direct connection between my hands and the clay. No perfect symmetry here, just the beauty of the moment, the heart guiding the form. It's funny, isn't it? Sometimes when emotions run high, or frustration bubbles up, the best thing I can do is immerse myself in this tactile process. The clay seems to absorb it all, and in return, it gifts me a sense of calm and a renewed spark of joy.  Each piece truly tells a story – not just of the making, but of the feeling. That's why this pig isn’t perfectly round, and his surface has a lovely, subtle spiral texture.  It’s a testament to the process, and I think it holds the unique, custom-mixed glaze so beautifully, allowing it to move gracefully across the swirls.

Small Details and Everyday Magic

I believe that the magic is in the details. The clay I use is from the UK, and I've given this piggy a quirky, sustainable handle made from upcycled electrical wire that's been carefully wrapped in natural jute rope. It’s a small detail with a big heart, proving that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.

My creations are not about being "high-brow art. " They're about bringing a sense of comfort and warmth to your daily life. This piggy is designed for everyday use—whether you light a tea-light inside for a cozy glow or burn a cone incense so the smoke curls playfully from his nostrils.

I hope that when you look at this little pig, you feel the joy and peace that went into making him.

What brings you back to center? Let me know in the comments! And if you'd like to bring this little piggy home, you can find him and other creations in my shop.

 

With love, 

Shannon

Written in Cantonese  -> 店長  😊 

Please visit my online shop: Day Dreaming Shop

Please follow my social platforms:

IG~

Shannon's Pottery 山能作 

Day Dreaming Shop

Pinerest

Youtube

Etsy Shop: DayDreamingZakka Â