[Ceramic Artist: Yen Yu Interview Part 1] Just because I loved it

--I understand that you first encountered pottery while you were living in Tokyo.

“Yeah, it was around 2020.

During the COVID-19 period, restrictions on going out were imposed, and I suddenly had more time to reflect.

I have more time to think about what I want to do.

When I lived in Tokyo, I worked as a writer.

I started pottery as a hobby, but it was so much fun that I got more and more absorbed in it.

Wanting to learn more about authentic Japanese pottery, I moved from Tokyo to Tajimi and attended the Ceramic Research Institute.

To be honest, I've had a lot of hobbies, but I was surprised that pottery has lasted this long."

--What do you think was the reason you became so absorbed in it?

"Honestly, there's no clear reason I can put into words.

However, the closest feeling would probably be that it suits your skin.

I studied visual design at university, so I was familiar with the process of creating works on a flat surface.

I like the fact that pottery involves a three-dimensional process.

One person can do everything from kneading the clay to making and completing the product.

That was something that was really refreshing.

You touch it with your hands, turn the potter's wheel, and look at it from various angles in search of the finished form.

I think that process itself is a big attraction of pottery.

I was also attracted to the fact that it is a craft that can also be used for artistic expression.

To be an artist in this day and age, you need to think not only about coming up with ideas and creating, but also about scheduling exhibitions and marketing.

I also found the breadth of the range to be fascinating."

--What do you think is the ideal vessel?

"After all, it's something that you'll use, so I think it's very important to imagine the scenes in which you'll use it.

What kind of table will it be served on, what kind of food will be served, and how will it be held?

I'm still constantly polishing it while I'm working on it.

Color is important, of course, but shape and practicality are just as important.

Even if something looks good, if it's too heavy to hold or difficult to use in everyday life, people will naturally stop picking it up.

I always want my products to be ones that can be used for a long time."

-When you create something, do you decide what the finished product will look like from the beginning?

"I haven't really decided yet.

As I turn the potter's wheel, I feel like I'm gradually expanding the image.

I look at the vessel from various angles and rely on my intuition at the time to find the perfect shape.

I rarely draw blueprints or sketches, and instead rely on the feel I get from my hands when I create.

The word "dialogue" might be the closest.

Even if you try to recreate the feeling of that moment later, it's often impossible.

So I want to treasure the feelings I had at that time."

--Please tell us about the soil.

"We often use soil collected in the Higashi Mino area of Gifu Prefecture.

I get 2-3 different types of soil and blend them myself.

I think Japanese soil is really easy to use.

There is a wide variety and it is easy to get hold of.

I feel that I am in a very fortunate environment to have so many options to choose from depending on the expression I want to create."

The second part will be released tomorrow.