A friendly otter that can fit on a fingertip. A utensil that’s half-spoon and half-cat. A necklace dangling a petite pendant in the shape of a sleepy unicorn. In her Singapore workspace, Chien Nie Hong carefully crafts these gold-flecked porcelain figurines (or “totems,” as she calls them)—along with planters, tableware, and mugs—guided by the belief that moments of peace and magic can come in small packages. She calls her shop LithopsStudio.
Explore the LithopsStudio collection
Drawing inspiration from the tranquil pauses she seeks in her own urban life, lingering over succulents at a plant nursery or held still in the hush of a temple, Chien Nie infuses her work with a serene spirit that she hopes to pass on to her customers. “I feel like everybody is rushing all the time and so stressed,” she says. “I want my work to be something that, when they look at it, they’ll calm down, slow down, and just take a breather.”
Read on to learn how Chien Nie finds balance and peace in her own life (with her fluffy Pomeranian pup, Oatmeal, by her side), and then shop the LithopsStudio collection.
When you write about your work, you use words like “treasure,” “totem,” and “glint of magic.” How did this otherworldly element become part of your work?
I take pride in being able to spread a certain happiness through my work. It’s not really about what the thing is, it’s more how the thing makes you feel. On my Instagram, people leave comments like, “Your posts are the first things I see in the morning, and they make me happy.” Or, “Your work brings some light into my day.” That’s exactly what I want to do. If I’m creating something, then I hope it conveys a positive message to other people and brings a positive feeling to their day.
I also use language to try to give my work some character. As opposed to just saying “figurines,” which sounds so lifeless, “totem” sounds more like it has a spiritual element to it, and better represents what I’m trying to portray: that it’s a special object with a personality of its own.
How do your customers use or relate to your work?
I think a lot of them buy my work for friends and family. Then there are those who collect my pieces and put them on their altars or shelves; others like to display them amongst their plants. Sometimes my customers send me pictures—it’s pretty cute. Then some people like to keep my smallest pieces in their pockets and carry them around while they go about their day. Knowing that what I do brings joy to others brings me comfort in return.
What sparks your ideas?
Ideas usually come out of nowhere. But sometimes I do take inspiration from places I find peaceful. If I see a peaceful scene—like a swaying lotus flower in a small stream that feels really zen—I will enjoy it first. Then, sometimes I’ll take a short clip of it on my phone and share it on Instagram, because I want other people to feel that calmness as well. And later I might try to sculpt the lotus flower.
In Singapore, when you step back and look at the big picture, it’s city, city, city and buildings, buildings, buildings. I try to look at things from closer up and take note of nature and the smaller details. I might notice a flower arrangement or a pond—if you look closer, you can see things that people don’t normally see.
What drew you to working with ceramics?
I’m known to be slow in things that I do, and ceramics is a slow art. You can’t rush it. Things need to dry properly, you need to wait, and because of that, my slowness and patience help. I guess the ceramics medium helps convey a message of calmness and to just take things slowly.
Also, I wanted to use a material that does not put too much strain on my finger joints. I have a condition called rheumatoid arthritis; I’ve had it since my secondary-school days after I got a bout of dengue fever. It’s gotten much better, but can still be a challenge at times. Making small things helps a lot—creating them puts far less pressure on my hands.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I don’t really have a fixed schedule, I just do whatever needs to be done. I do have a nighttime routine, though: stretching and moisturizing. I enjoy practicing yoga because I want my body to be strong and nimble for as long as it can be, and I apply ointment on my fingers because if you work with clay, you know that clay really dries out your fingers. Unwinding over a cup of hot tea is another habit of mine.
What do you enjoy about running your own business?
I love it. I get to decide what I want to do and when I want to do it. It excites me when I get new clays or glazes or when I have a new idea—and I get ideas all the time. I’m always thinking about what I want to make next, what I want to share next, and what new techniques I can try. I find that creating is a form of meditation for me and it helps maintain a balance in my life.
I think that to run a small business and thrive, you need to really enjoy what you’re doing. There will always be new challenges when you’re weathering the vast sea of uncertainties that comes with running your own business, but every bit is worth it when you see that dewdrop of improvement and progress.
What are you most proud of? And what are your visions for the future?
I’m proud of actually being able to run this thing on my own and have it work. I’m so glad to have this opportunity to do what I like. As for visions for the future—I don’t really plan that far ahead. I just like to make sure that things are right in the moment.
Follow LithopsStudio on Instagram.
All photographs courtesy of LithopsStudio.
1 Featured Comment
Karen from KnitPeddler said 2 years ago Featured
Congrats on your feature! Your work is adorable, especially the little animals! I love your practice of noticing nature and beauty in the bustle of the city. It's there for those who choose to notice. Wishing you all the best in your endeavours! <3
46 comments
DeUno from DeUno said 2 years ago
Lovely miniatures! Congratulations on the feature!
Anna from FairyToysWorld said 2 years ago
I like this style. White figurines are amazing!
elle and belle Forster from elleandbellejewelry said 2 years ago
Everything is so pretty, Chien Nie and your packaging too. Lovely and so intricate. All the best!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 2 years ago
So so cute miniatures! Congratulations on the feature!
R.M Garrett from ArtisticAcrylics said 2 years ago
Beautiful mentality, beautiful artwork. The peace in your spirit, translates to the peace your totems inspire; and who wouldn't feel special and protected having them around! I wish you continued blessings in your life and work!!
Julia K Walton from FireHorseVintageHQ said 2 years ago
So adorable! I love these sweet little creatures! :o)
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 2 years ago
Beautiful work! Congrats!
Monica from ThreeBarDGifts said 2 years ago
Beautiful work! Congrats on the feature!
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 2 years ago
I love this store. This slow art really shows at the works. Everything matches perfectly.
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 2 years ago
Lovely shop. Congrats on the feature.
Leo Nuvunga from AfricanCraftsCenter said 2 years ago
Great imagination! Congrats!
bluewine studio from bluewinestudio said 2 years ago
Beautiful details! Love your products. Very unique!
Karen from KnitPeddler said 2 years ago Featured
Congrats on your feature! Your work is adorable, especially the little animals! I love your practice of noticing nature and beauty in the bustle of the city. It's there for those who choose to notice. Wishing you all the best in your endeavours! <3
renee and gerardo from GTDesigns said 2 years ago
Super darling shop and product!! Love!!! Congrats on this sweet feature!!
Olga Kaplina from KnitteditemsbyOlga said 2 years ago
Lovely miniatures! All the best!
Anna L. from FoxyStyleJewelry said 2 years ago
So cute and delicate creations. Beautiful work! Congratulations on the feature!
Rosita from pillowlink said 2 years ago
Wow! Really amazing works, such a cute miniatures. Love the cups with small living animals in them.. :) Congrats!
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 2 years ago
Adorable and delicate creations! Congratulations on the feature!
Sharon from YearsAfter said 2 years ago
How adorable! They look like little sensitive creatures. So precious!
Chien Nie Hong from LithopsStudio said 2 years ago
Thank you so much everyone! Oh this is too amazing. Please know I appreciate each one of your kind comments. I would like to add that though I am proud of being able to run this little shop on my own, I have all my loved ones to thank for keeping me going strong and always being my number one fans. Thank you thank you thank you! Sending hugs (-:
Liene from SilkArtbyLiene said 2 years ago
Just wonderful I love your creations wish you the best
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 2 years ago
Congrats on the feature Chien! Your totems are so sweet and so is your puppy. I wish you and your shop much prosperity!
Craig & Michelle Zuiderweg from somadlyinlove said 2 years ago
Love Your items! I know so many people who would adore these!
Sherri from ButterflyFeetDigital said 2 years ago
Seriously cute stuff, congrats on the feature!
Irina Kosterina from UniqueTitaniumArt said 2 years ago
Cute and inspiring! Congratulations!
Sorina from BijuBrill said 2 years ago
There is something so special and delicate in working with ceramic! maybe the smooth surface or the pure white...? don't know. but what I do know is that this artist creates amazing pieces! ♥ congrats!
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 2 years ago
very nice and unique!!!
Jessica from UniquelyMeBows said 2 years ago
Congratulations on the feature!! Love your shop!!
Vickie S. Street from VickiesVintageroom said 2 years ago
Love your shop, good job on getting featured
Carolina from Agirlwithfeathers said 2 years ago
Very unique work! Congrats on the feature!
Roura from RouraYoung said 2 years ago
I love how the works are imbued with happiness and tranquility. They are precious!
One Stop Steampunk Shoppe from OneStopSteamShoppe said 2 years ago
Lovely shop! : ) Congrats on the feature.
Rosemary Lambert from cardhugs said 2 years ago
I like the little animals so much. What a peaceful way to work.
Oriaku Onuoha-Bean from JewelryByOri said 2 years ago
Oh my! what a unique store! congrats on the feature. Your creations are beautiful!
Tiana Kotskulich Precious Embroidery from TianaHandmade said 2 years ago
There is so much love and warmness in this figurines and package is so cute!
Natalia from HatsAndOtherStories said 2 years ago
So pretty little creatures, and every one is full of caracter. Congratulations!
maggie from BlossomBouquetStudio said 2 years ago
Congrats on the feature! Darling items you make! Great story.
Marcel Schmitz from ThisIsRealAmber said 2 years ago
I love it !!!
Monika Moroz from NickoArts said 2 years ago
Congratulations on the feature of your lovely shop.
Oonah from unatuna said 2 years ago
What adorable items!
Gillian Northcott from esanivintage said 2 years ago
So cute.
Amy from GibasAeroGiftShop said 2 years ago
So cute!
PS1002 from HealthyHemisphere said 2 years ago
Congrats! Very nice story!
TerryLynn Goings from WhimzyGrimzy said 2 years ago
Beautiful feature! I really like your style!
Jeannie from MysticalRaindrops said 1 year ago
wow! so tiny.
President Antiques from PresidentAntiques said 1 year ago
Ah, what a unique touch!!!!