Touch of Clay

Cheah Yeow Seng’s enduring love for pottery started 30 years ago. He was studying accountancy when pottery classes at Kuala Lumpur College gave him the opportunity to explore his creative side. “I just fell in love,” Mr. Cheah said, “Clay is very special. It’s a soft, flexible material, but once it’s hardened, it’s set. It also has its limitations—if you’re working small, the clay can take on any shape you want, but anything on a larger scale needs more technical things to make it work.”

Listening to Mr. Cheah talk about clay is like listening to a person talk fondly about an old friend. His passion for his art drew him into teaching as a way to impart his love for clay to others, and it shows. Some of his students have been with him for over 10 years, not simply because they require more instruction (though Mr. Cheah counts them among his advanced group) or the use of the facilities, but because they enjoy the open atmosphere and Mr. Cheah’s kindly banter. When you walk into his shop lot, you can’t help but feel inspired. His stoneware objects and sculptures fill the room, giving it an earthy glow. Every imaginable pottery tool is on hand, and it’s quiet, save for the whir of pottery wheels. Classes are small and he has about 35 to 40 students in total, through word of mouth because he seldomly advertises. “Most of my students are Japanese. They have a history with stoneware, the Chinese are more towards porcelain,” explains Cheah, “locals prefer to make functional ware like mugs and plates because sculptural forms are not so popular.” This does not stop him from proudly maintaining a patriotic stance toward the clay he uses. “Malaysia has the best clay in the world to me. If you use foreign clay, you don’t show the character of your country.” It’s obvious that he feels a kind of kinship with the rawness of stoneware. “Porcelain is not my taste. It’s more white, fine, delicate and lady-like. For the moment, I still like stoneware but maybe I’ll change.” It’s this flexibility and exciting potential of pottery that can get students hooked with their first touch of clay. Mr. Cheah will attest to that.

Touch of Clay is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 1pm then from 2pm to 5pm. A part-time basic ceramics class is available for beginners. Together with a RM20 registration fee, 10 lessons are RM480 or RM50 for a single lesson, not inclusive of materials of firing costs. You can also find Mr. Cheah’s rugged stoneware and sculptures for sale at his annual exhibition at Badan Warisan Malaysia.

Text Maybritt Rasmussen