Artist Statement Inspired by nature and made to enjoy!
I began to do pottery when I was almost 50 years old. My daughter and I took up lessons at the Clay Studio of Cary Art Center so we could spend time together, and I fell in love with pottery. It brought me peace, yet also challenged my patience; it brought me surprise and joy each time I got my piece from the kiln opening. The more I practiced, the more I realized that ceramic art is part of my life,culture, and history. I grew up in China until my 30’s where I was surrounded by the longstanding culture of ceramicwares. Chinese pottery and ceramics have a history dating to more than 5000 years ago that has endured to today. Through pottery, I strive to incorporate and balance the ancient Chinese values and elements -金木水火土 (metal, wood, water, fire and earth). From these efforts, I can see the beauty of these elements in each and every piece I made. Because of my multi-cultural background, I was able to appreciate and understand many styles that I doubt I would have before. When visiting different places, I spend hours upon hours slowly walking through museums and their exhibition, taking in the beauty of all sorts of different art styles and cultures. From the Renaissance art at the Louvre to the classic Chinese ceramics to the modern sculptures at the NC Museum of Art, every piece has taught me that I can create functional pottery that is also a work of art. Like most potters inspired by nature, the natural materials, color, patterns, and textures all inspire me to make my pottery to express these elements. I express a balance in the elements and shape in my works; balancing experience and patience, clay and glaze, shape, functional and style etc. Every time, when I want to make something, I would choose the clay and glaze first to show the balance of a combination of 5 elements and to create the best expression of them. When I first began to do pottery, I used to look for perfection, tried hard to make perfect shape, perfect glaze and expected perfect results…. Later through all the practices, I realized that pottery, like the natural world, is full of imperfections. Despite these imperfections, it is still unique and beautiful. Every bowl, mug, and pot here is created by my hands and my thoughts but is ultimately born from the imperfect natural world that surrounds us. So, I want to name my exhibition “Imperfection.” It has been almost 7 years since I started to learn and practice pottery. I want to show my progress and artwork that I’ve made as a testament of my own ability. I started my art journey here at the Cary Art Center and most my work has been made here. As we are celebrating 150 years of the Town of Cary, I am planning to exhibit 150 pieces to coordinate with it.
- 100 different pieces mugs—people like to choose their own mug. Each mug presents every unique person. 100 pieces means the people.
- Moon Jars. A series Moon Jars (about 10 pieces). I like to make moon Jars. Its present imperfection via perfection, inspired by nature, elegant and beauty.
- Other pieces — acorns, vases, garden décor, bowls, cups et
