"A Dog's Business" by Wei Cheng

Version 1 - 7 x 6.5 x 6 cm

Version 2 - 4.5 x 7.5 x 4 cm 

Version 3 - 5 x 5.5 x 4 cm 

ceramic

Artist Statement

"This series of miniature ceramic sculptures captures dogs in one of their most universal and unglamorous moments: pooping.

As any dog owner knows, what seems like a simple daily routine is actually a surprisingly important ritual. For dogs, pooping time can be a moment of complete focus and contemplation. They carefully search for the perfect spot, circle around, pause, and then settle into a posture that is both awkward and strangely dignified. In those moments, they appear entirely present, disconnected from distractions and immersed in their own private world. One could even say that pooping is a dog’s version of meditation.

The moment a dog finishes its business is usually followed by another ritual: the owner dutifully picking up after them. While not the most glamorous act of care, it is a small but meaningful gesture of responsibility, companionship, and commitment. In a funny way, carrying a bag of dog poop home is one of the most official signs of love and dedication in the human–dog relationship. 

By translating these fleeting moments into ceramic, a material traditionally associated with permanence and commemoration, I aim to elevate an everyday act that is rarely noticed and almost never celebrated. It reminds us that some of our deepest connections are built not through grand gestures, but through small daily rituals repeated with care."

Wei Cheng, born and raised in China, now calls Vancouver home, where she is dedicated to the art of ceramics. She studied at Langara College and Emily Carr University of Art and Design, developing a deep appreciation for the medium.

Her artistic journey has taken her across continents, with residencies at the Yixing Pottery Center, Shadbolt Art Center, and the Banff Centre, all of which have profoundly shaped her practice. Wei has exhibited widely, showcasing her work both nationally and internationally, including at Vancouver’s Lipont Centre, Canton-Sardine Gallery, Jig Space, the Chinese Cultural Centre, and the Italian Cultural Centre.