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Artist Statement

 

My work has been strongly influenced by traditional vessel forms, particularly early Chinese objects. Bronzes from the Shang and Zhou periods and pottery from the Sung dynasty have provided me with several thousand years of culture resource for my creativity. Also, the freedom and spontaneous of making pots which I learned from the American contemporary ceramics broadened my view.  I like to integrate culture influences into my work using contemporary concept and techniques.

 

Most of my pots were made on a potter’s wheel. After the pieces were formed, they were then pinched, punched, torn, or squeezed.  I like the organic looking of the clay forms. Spraying glaze and reduction fired is the usual process that I used.  I don’t apply many fancy glazes on my work. The dry glaze and reduction fire matched the texture naturally.  I like to make strong forms that need no embellishment. To me, the forms express themselves strongly, and more importantly the process of making pots itself is the most enjoyable thing.

 

ABOUT

Hsin-Chuen Lin was born in 1962 in Kaoxiong Xian, Taiwan.  He graduated from National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei, major in Industrial Education.  In 1981, he took his first ceramic course from the famous ceramic artist,  Rhang-Nung Wu.  Lin was so attracted to the media of clay that he spent most of his time in ceramic studio.  “I don’t know why I like it so much.  Perhaps I can recall my early years in the countryside playing with clay.” says Hsin-Chuen Lin.

 

After four years of teaching in a junior high school in Taipei, Lin decided to pursue the field of ceramics to learn and create. He went to graduate school at the University of Iowa where he received his Master of Fine Art degree in ceramics.

 

Hsin-Chuen Lin moved to California in 1991.  He is now teaching in Sunnyvale community center and Higher Fire Clay Studio in downtown San Jose and working as studio potter in Fremont, California.

 

Working in clay has been Lin's passion for almost 40 years.  His form has evolved since came to U.S. in 1988.  His inspiration comes from eastern culture, particular Chinese Shan, Zhou dynasty's bronzes as well as Song dynasty's elegant pottery. He also was influenced by the American contemporary ceramics, the freedom and spontaneous of making pots. He works mainly on a potter’s wheel.  His beautiful vessels are first thrown, then torn, punched, squeezed, decorated, and finally fired, such as raku, sagger, gas and wood fire depending on what he wants to express.

    

Hsin-Chuen Lin has shown his work nationally and internationally, and won many awards. His work has been featured in many books and magazines, such as The Best of Pottery, the Ceramic Design Book, Ceramic Art in Taiwan, Ceramics Monthly, Clay Times.  He sells to select U.S. galleries and national jury craft shows. His work is in Museum and private collections in Taiwan and all over the United States.

 

  More articles about Hsin-Chuen Lin on the Internet:

 

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