Click on the photos to view each project.

Serenity in Motion I to X 

2023
Ceramics, Rubber, Wood
On view at Cranbrook Art Museum from Feb. 2023 to May 2023.
"Through the alchemy of body and clay, Liu sculpts vessels that embody the balance of strength and delicacy, inviting the viewers to witness the evolution of form and spirit.”


Elevating her exploration into the synergy between exercise apparatus structures and ceramic forms, Liu seamlessly integrates workout equipment within her installations. 

The fusion of natural and synthetic elements unveils a mesmerizing interplay of materials, originating from elegantly understated geometric constructs. Fluid and dynamic figures pay homage to the orthogonal precision, resonating with the intricacies of constructional, compositional, and graphic aesthetics.

This captivating interweaving of objects sparks a captivating visual dialogue, gracefully altering the spatial landscape through an array of surface textures. The result is an immersive experience that invites contemplation of material hierarchies and ignites a thought-provoking discourse on the essence of form and function.


Meditation Jars 

Feb. 2022
Ceramics, pine wood 

“Wheel thrown, trimmed, and delicately spray-glazed, the series exudes tranquility and serenity.”

This collection of vessels showcases an abundant array of forms – wheel-thrown ceramics united by a shared narrative. Enveloped in a delicate glaze reminiscent of the palest eggshell, they harmoniously embody both fragility and strength at their core. Within this series, each individual vessel breathes life, proudly embodying its distinctive character. With an aura of confidence, they stand still, preserving their unique identities.

The pedestals upon which they repose serve as elevations, acknowledging the realms of emptiness and fullness. As light dances with shadow, the negative spaces sculpted by the vessels and structures ascend, inviting contemplation. Through the placement of both, a conversation of form, voids, and volume unfolds—a celebration of the inherent beauty that exists within the space between.




“An effortless dialogue emerges as sharp lines and silhouettes comes in contact with gentle curvatures and bulbous forms, inviting light to perform its magic.”




Slip Painting 

Mar. 2023
Ceramics, cotton, wood

“Mesmerized by the changing light and the shadows, the juxtaposition of the hard and soft, the merging of smoothness and fizziness, where the temporal and eternal crosses paths, creativity finds its harmony.”

Entranced by the enchanting allure of shifting transparency and translucence, reminiscent of delicately woven spider webs and the ethereal grandeur of high-fired porcelain, I collected a selection of slip recipes, each possessing its own unique properties. The porcelain chips are delicately nestled upon the woven base, and I assemble these fragments into petite stacks or arrange them side by side. 




Show Time 

Feb. 2023
Ceramics

My inaugural exploration into the realm of red art terra sigilata has been fueled by its inviting warmth and tactile essence, which mirrors the human form. The ability of this medium to accentuate even the smallest nuances in the clay's texture evokes a resemblance to the curves and contours of our bodies. The vessels are elegantly presented on pedestals of various sizes and heights, adorned with opulent fabric drapes that introduce a captivating contrast of textures and colors. The hierarchy of the vessels is revealed, offering commentary on the concept of grandeur and pageantry.



“Making vessels that echo the human form, my exploration of Red Art terra-sigilata speaks through shapes and textures, unveiling the grandeur within subtlety.”




A Corner 

Oct. 2022
Ceramics, 




“As light and shadow intertwine across these paired vases, the poetic choreography of figurative silhouettes, echoing human curves, unveils a narrative wherein tradition and innovation harmonize amidst the innate essence of raw clay.”

My artistic journey finds expression in the interplay of silhouettes and the versatile medium of ceramics. Through a series of vases, each set showcases an array of sizes, inviting exploration into the delicate balance between tradition and innovation. While rooted in traditional forms, these vases take a unique twist with their covered mouths, departing from convention and qualifying their place as more sculptural pieces. A central crack, born from the intense heat of firing, exposes the very structure that defines such sculpture. This deliberate imperfection serves as a commentary on the human pursuit of flawlessness on view, set against the raw reality of existence. By embracing the intrinsic beauty within imperfection and rawness, my work seeks to provoke contemplation on the delicate balance between aspiration and authenticity."





Gym Set 

Mar. 2023
Ceramics, 

In my creative exploration, I experimented with recipes that involved different firing schedules and utilized thin and refined metallic powders for terra sigillata. This amalgamation creates a seamless harmony with the fundamental nature of gym apparatus, drawing similarities between the forms and appearance,  invoking a sense of visual and tactile symmetry reminiscent of the world of weights and their inherent resilience.

“These weights, serving as both tangible objects and symbols, uphold a universal standard that transcends their physical presence. Through this intertwining and fusion of elements and concepts, my work embraces the interplay between resilience and elegance, inviting contemplation of the tangible and metaphorical burdens we carry as we navigate our journey toward equilibrium.”








Porcelain Vase 

Apr. 2023
Ceramics

“Wheel and wood in textures' embrace,
Bulbous contours cradle, elegance's trace. 
In precious porcelain's timeless grace.”


I find inspiration in the delicate nature of porcelain. A recent collaboration with another artist(Michael Takahata) led me to explore the synergy between our visions. A dance between wheel throwing and the intricate carving of wood planks yields a symphony of textures that enwrap each piece. The bulbous contours, embraced by delicate banding, gracefully cradle the essence of a vase. Through this collaboration of elements, I seek to evoke a sense of peace and timeless elegance, capturing moments that transcend mere artistry.




Hollow 

Sep. 2022
Ceramics 

“Every marking I make carries profound significance, fostering a dialogue between the tangible and the intangible, the known and the mysterious.”

Hands are not merely tools; they are conduits of intention and vessels of expression. Through the act of making and handling clay, my hands become extensions of my thoughts and emotions, translating them onto the ceramic material with each deliberate pinch and paddle. The timeless essence of my work resides in its ability to evoke emotions that resonate across mediums and fields, an explosion of sentiment that reverberates across individuals. Symbolism weaves its thread throughout my creations, with layers of meaning waiting to be unraveled by perceptive eyes. 




“The juxtaposition of strength and fragility in my pieces mirrors the complexity of human existence, a testament to the resilience that arises from embracing vulnerability with confidence.”




1 x 8 x 135 

Jan. 2023
Metal weights, clay 

“Fired clay captures fleeting imprints, embodying strength and vitality within its delicate slab. Through intense drying and firing, transient forces transform into lasting marks.”

The delicate slab captures fleeting imprints, fusing strength and vitality. My fascination lies in the convergence of ceramics with my dedication to training, sculpting a realm between transience and eternity. This exploration contrasts ephemeral moments with ceramics' enduring nature. The fired ceramics encapsulate my artistic growth and physical strength; their marks endure as testaments. This harmony between clay's fragility and the rawness of weightlifting deepens my understanding of creation's duality.





“Each stroke and movement resonates beyond physicality, embodying routine practice and strength. This fusion unravels existence's threads, inviting reflection on fragility and timeless expressions.”