Alex started working with clay in 2016 as a way to engage with tangible objects to counter his work in high tech. As his practice evolved, his focus centred around Japanese tea ceremony, one of his long-term fascinations. After a number of visits to Japan, he deepened his research in the history of traditional Japanese tea ware, and started making tea bowls following the ancient practices of Japanese potters.

His work is rooted in simplicity and allowing the clay to dictate the shape it wants to take, instead of forcing it into rigid shapes. He also chooses to use traditional Japanese shino glazes. Alex prefers firing his works in a wood-fired kiln, which adds a sporadic element to the end result. He also does high-temperature firing in a gas kiln with addition of soda, which produces similarly unpredictable surface effects.

Alex shares a studio in Vancouver with his partner @ol.lenko, a sculptural ceramics artist. You can connect with Alex on Instagram by sending a note to @travelfarnear.