"......It means a whole life's work and it means that you must care about it tremendously." Master Bernard Leach.
I was so touched by his words when I read a book about him years ago, I still am!
As a result I decided to work and play with clay and be a part-time instructor. During these years, I have questioned myself if I could carry on what meant or if I really cared about it!
Functional ware was always my primary interested. I enjoyed making functional ware for people to use, touch and feel. I remembered the years in Montréal; I held a piece of clay in my hands, felt and shaped it on the flame, those moments became part of my life. I must say that words can never describe this kind of joy.
After several years in Montreal I went back to my homeland, Hong Kong. Functional ware was still be my first choice but non- functional pieces made me face new challenges. Sometimes, I put aside the making of functional ware to play with clay searching for a different kind of fun.
Moving to Toronto in 1990, I came to face new challenges: A new environment, equipment and different types of clay. As time goes by, I am still working and playing with clay, I am still a part-time instructor, and I am still wandering in this mysterious clay world.
If life were on the stage, I would say I have gone through three different stages in my clay world in Montréal, Hong Kong and Toronto.
These stages offered me different attitudes, experiences and feelings for clay.
These stages helped me through many disappointed and frustrated moments.
These stages brought me fun & joy.
These stages also made me believe Clay is where your heart is.
I am grateful to God that has given me gift for so any years. |
