Ben Suga on Balancing Tradition and Creativity

My first impression of Ben Suga, with his laid-back midwestern vibes and quiet intensity, is that he should've been in an indie rock band. But instead of music, he's pursued the centuries-old practice of Japanese ceramics, and has studied that tradition with a focus and a dedication that's rare these days. I've become mildly obsessed with the stunning, jewel-like tea bowls he creates, and I wanted to find out more about his path and creative process. I spoke with Ben (and took a few photos) in his studio near Woodstock, New York. Chance Operations is a reader-supported publication about creativity, and an archive for my design films and unreleased footage. To receive new posts, watch my films and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Cheers! Gary: So Ben, can we talk about how you got involved in ceramics, and in particular the Japanese ceremonial tea bowl practice? Why did that resonate with you? Ben: Well starting out, I think clay is such a physical material,

My first impression of Ben Suga, with his laid-back midwestern vibes and quiet intensity, is that he should've been in an indie rock band. But instead of music, he's pursued the centuries-old practice of Japanese ceramics, and has studied that tradition with a focus and a dedication that's rare these days. I've become mildly obsessed with the stunning, jewel-like tea bowls he creates, and I wanted to find out more about his path and creative process. I spoke with Ben (and took a few photos) in his studio near Woodstock, New York. Chance Operations is a reader-supported publication about creati