Studio Object: 00.00.36

CGA Mugs are ceramic vessels derived from the protective caps used on compressed gas cylinders. The original metal caps, designed to shield cylinder valves during transport, have a domed form that is compressed into a basin capable of holding liquid, becoming a mug.

The caps referenced in this series are standardized by the Compressed Gas Association (CGA), an organization that publishes specifications for gas cylinder connections and safety components. These standards regulate the dimensions, strength, and compatibility of protective caps used on cylinders such as oxygen and acetylene.

All CGA Mugs are soda fired. During the firing, soda is introduced into the kiln at high temperature, where it reacts with the clay and glaze surfaces. This atmospheric process produces variations in surface, color, and texture, making each mug unique. Soda kilns are relatively rare, with only a handful currently operating in Southern California.

In this series, an industrial safety object is translated into ceramic form, transforming a protective device into a domestic vessel.