The Balance of Life in Ceramic Design.

This research explores the theme "Balance of Life," investigating the incorporation of traditional pottery production techniques in creating designed objects within the socio-cultural context of Northeastern Thailand. The study analyzes the fusion of clay printing processes with themes of Ming and Khwan, essential components of the Isan worldview that align with Buddhist principles of the Middle Way. The study employs a qualitative research approach, relying on literature reviews and field surveys from two pottery production sites: Ban Mo in Mahasarakham Province and Dan Kwian in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Pottery production in these regions exhibits two distinctive characteristics relating to the firing process and temperature: earthenware pottery fired at low temperatures and stoneware pottery fired at high temperatures. Experimental application of the printing process on terracotta revealed the possibility of creating multidimensional visual elements like texture, color, weight, and pattern, suitable for both artistic and commercial applications. The study results produced a unique pottery form that blends traditional techniques with modern pattern printing processes, achieving an aesthetic equilibrium of strength and fragility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]