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As a ceramics artist, my daily practice centers around the essential act of creating with my hands. Working with clay, designing, and expressing my creativity bring me boundless joy. Each small, inspiring moment becomes a driving force behind my artistic process, allowing me to materialize my thoughts and emotions. My fascination lies in the intricate process of molding clay, observing its response to firing, and using this versatile medium to convey concepts close to my heart.
Growing up in both traditional Chinese and mainstream Western cultures has significantly influenced my approach to art. I've learned the importance of nurturing both creative ideas and professional skills. During my time at Cranbrook, I explored and reflected on delicate designs that establish connections with my physical body. It was during this phase that I made a fascinating discovery – my weightlifting routine unexpectedly intertwined with my ceramics. Initially, weightlifting served as a means to build strength and relieve stress, but gradually, it evolved into a profound source of inspiration for my artistic endeavors. This newfound connection between weightlifting and ceramics highlights the essence of persistence and progression in my artistic practice.
My expression with clay revolves around the synergy between the power of persistence and progression. I capture my body's interaction with clay at different stages, arranging the pieces in modular compositions to evoke a sense of continuity. This process not only raises awareness about the significance of strengthening and conditioning the body but also anchors me in the routines of both ceramics and weightlifting.
At the beginning of my journey, my focus was on creating utilitarian objects for everyday life, such as cups, plates, flower vases, and teapots. These items not only serve practical purposes but also enrich their surroundings as decorative additions.
During my time at Cranbrook, I delved into various techniques, including wheel throwing, hand building with slabs and coils, and using porcelain slip to shape paintings. This exploration allowed me to delve deeper into the conceptual aspects of creating with my body and navigating the physical aspects of comfort and discomfort. It was during this phase that I made the pivotal discovery of the mirroring nature between weightlifting and studio ceramics practice – both involving repetition and improvement.
The rhythm of the pottery wheel's spin, the sensation of clay responding to my touch, and the mere idea of my sketches coming to life – all contribute to an immeasurable sense of joy. Over time, I honed the skill of listening to the wheel, adjusting its speed to suit each step of throwing. Clay takes form under my hands, transforming into something both beautiful and functional.
Working with ceramics demands delicacy, patience, perseverance, physical prowess, coordination, and repetitive practice. This medium offers profound insights, nurturing creative vision and expression while instilling a profound appreciation for beauty. It serves as a powerful vehicle to explore essential life lessons, including tenderness, endurance, temporality and longevity, mind-body connection, and the value of learning through repetition.
Combining my experiences as a ceramics artist and weightlifter, I've found a unique connection to my physical body and a way to express the essence of persistence and progression. The lessons learned through my studio practice transcend art and are applicable to life itself, shaping me into a more resilient, mindful, and deeply connected individual.