[Ceramic artist: Yen Yu interview part 2] Scooping up the landscape and projecting it onto pottery

-Please tell us about your current studio.

"The ceilings are high and it feels very open.

The natural light coming in through the frosted glass windows makes it a very cozy space.

The surroundings are quiet, allowing you to concentrate on your work.

Sometimes a stray cat will appear, and when that happens I find myself stopping what I'm doing (laughs).

But I think that time isn't so bad."

Does your environment influence your work?

"I think it will have a big impact.

Since coming here, I've been told that my work has become even more mature.

I believe that people are greatly influenced by their environment and emotions.

When there is a small ripple in your heart, the expression of your work will naturally change.

I want to cherish that, including those fluctuations."

--Your technique of applying glaze with a brush is impressive. When did you start doing this?

"While studying at the Tajimi City Design Institute, I tried out various methods of applying glazes.

Of all the tools, I felt that brushes were the best fit for me.

Applying the glaze with a brush creates fluctuations and a unique look for each piece.

I think that really suits what I want to express."

--It seems that each glaze has its own image. What kind of image do you have in mind?

"Right now, I mainly use six different glazes to apply multiple coats.

Furthermore, even richer variations can be produced depending on the firing method and temperature.

For example, the green and white color scheme was inspired by the sight of moss enduring the cold in the snow in Japan.

I also take inspiration from the images I receive from nature, such as scenery I see on my travels or in my daily life, and digest them.

I incorporate my own unique interpretation as a Taiwanese into the dishes.

Scenery that is commonplace to people in Japan feels very fresh to me."

-Where do you get your inspiration for the shapes?

"The shape is based on the image of Taiwan.

The image is inspired by scenes of Taiwanese cuisine on the plate.

So I think all of my works are a mix of Japanese and Taiwanese inspiration.

Rather than leaning towards one side or the other, it feels like they blend together naturally."

--What do you find enjoyable about your job?

"When I'm making it, it's generally a lot more fun.

Of course, physical work can be tiring (laughs).

I don't find it particularly difficult to create, so I think pottery really suits me.

I also enjoy the time I get to talk directly with customers at exhibitions and stalls.

You can see the reaction of the customers when they look at the dishes.

I think these experiences have been useful in my subsequent work."

--Please tell us about your future challenges.

"I don't really have any specific goals, and I think what I want to make changes from time to time.

However, my desire to continue making pottery remains unchanged.

As my age and environment change, my expression will naturally change as well, so I would like to continue creating without going against that flow."

--Is there anything you want to communicate through your pottery?

"I put a lot of different images and thoughts into it, but I don't want to force it on anyone.

I want to value the user's interpretation as much as the creator's thoughts.

I would be most pleased if people use it freely and love it in their own way."

--Finally, please give a message to those who are thinking about taking on a challenge overseas.

"You only live once, so if you're unsure, give it a try.

There are certainly cultural and language barriers.

I too have felt lonely and sad.

Still, I think it's worth going above and beyond.

It's natural that you won't have language skills or technical skills at first.

Those things will come later.

I hope people don't overthink things too much, but instead trust their curiosity and passion."

As Yanyu spoke while touching the clay in his light-filled workshop, his words were calm yet powerful.

The work is like accepting the landscape, memories, and fluctuations of emotions as they are, and scooping them up into a vessel.

I felt that her pottery will continue to tell many stories.