Vipoo Srivilasa lets factory workers unleash the creativity in mass-produced ceramics

As artist-in-residence at Thai Celadon in Chiang Mai, ceramist Vipoo Srivilasa has tapped into the creativity of the factory's employees.

The pieces they've created under his guidance will be on view in the exhibition "Monsters by Hands" at the northern city's Pongnoi Art Space from April 5 to 26.

"I usually work with low-fired earthenware, but celadon is a high-fired stoneware formed with a wood-ash glaze and a cracked, glazed surface," says Melbourne-based Vipoo, known for his quirky creations.

"I wanted to combine these two techniques, and during my stay I conducted a workshop to share some fun and creativity with the 40 employees."

Vipoo showed some of his new dual-technique pieces

in his solo show "Colonies" at Bangkok's Surapon Gallery last month.

You won't find the familiar celadon tableware in "Monsters by Hands". Instead, expect alien figures that challenge preconceptions about factory-made products.

Vipoo invited photographer Jatturong Sartkhum to document the creation process at Thai Celadon with pictures of the individual artists and their efforts.

"For 49 years we've made celadon using the original organic methods," says Thai Celadon executive director Taksabhongse Bodhipakti. "Here we're infused liveliness into the pieces and broadened celadon's horizons.

"Vipoo's stay has been a dazzling start to our artist-in-residence programme.

The project just dissolves all protocol, and proves that creativity and fun know no age limits."