I was born and raised in Taiwan, a subtropical island state with multi-cultural heritage. I took my very first pottery class at the Lawrence Arts Center in early 2015. The inspiration came from watching a Korean drama “The Goddess of Fire” featuring the first female potter Yoo Jung, during Chosun Dynasty in the 16th century. The tryout quickly became a passion. I enjoy exploring, experimenting, and playing with different forms and surfaces, different clays and glazes. While not pursuing any particular style, I am deeply influenced by traditional Asian arts. Certain Asian symbols such as cranes, waves, dragons, bamboos, and plum flowers appear frequently in my work. Crane & Waves on platters is among my favorite line of work.
Most of my works are thrown on pottery wheel. Working with a turning wheel is very soothing for me, mind is at ease, floating with the gentle movements of water and clay. In comparison, hand building is like playing with the monkey mind, many senses are tackled at the same time, thoughts seem going in various directions at the same time. It brings out different aspects of creativity.
I do most of my work in the community ceramic studio at the Lawrence Arts Center. I love to get involved in its annual Souper Bowl and Platter Auction fundraiser. Dressing up bowls in a wide and wild range of designs is super fun. It’s like getting ready for a carnival! The opportunity to collaborate with studio manager and ceramic artist Shantel Wright leads to the creation of a series of red earthenware bowls with cosmic tea dust we are both fond of.
Continuous opportunity to take various classes from different instructors at the Arts Center means continuous learning—and playing!!!
Instagram @llchen54
