(4

POTTERS
GUILD

of BRITISH
COLUMBIA

eT
NEWSLETTER

May Leung Wessel
matt copper glaze, bamboo
handle, cone 4, 20.0 ci high

bc

potters

September 2002

Volume 38 Number 8

May Leung

The very first time I rolled up my sleeves and pot to
work on a ball of clay, | was booked, I loved
everything about it: the way it squished between my
fingers, and the idea that [ could mould that shape-
less lump in front of me inte anything at all.

That was nearly 20 years ago al a community orram-
ics class in Kamloops where I began by making
crude hand pinched vases and coil
dishes. However, being busy ntis-
ing a family at the time, I did not
hecome serious about clay mak-
ing until six years ago after study-
ing ceramics under Linda Walton
at University College of the
Cariboo.

I admit, my first creations were
ncither original nor very mood. |
made pots for the sheer fun of it
and expenmmented
with many forms,
techniques and
glazes. As 1 grow
older, I realize that
there is an impor-
tant goal I should
foous on. I am be-
Binning te study
predominantly On-
ental glazes, such as celadon, temmoku
or chun, and trying to incorporate tra-
ditional Chimese designs intomy work,

Since I immigrated to Canada from
Taiwan about 30 years ago, I’ve come
to appreciate the diversity of culture
that surrounds me. I've become nore
aware of the importance of preserving
one's culture, especially in an envi-
ronment of global conformity. This
idea of maintaining cultural diversity
has influenced my style of pottery.

Muay Leung Teapot thrown ancl altered
stoneware, cone 1) reduction, atl spot
glaze, 24.0 om high

For a Long time, culture was something I, like most
Chinese living in Taiwan and China, took for
granted, Sadly, as a result of this kind of collective
cultural ignorance, many Chinese artifacts and cus-
toms have been lost or adopted by other nations.

The art of ceramics, for example, which was argu-
ably one of the most wonderful inventions to come
out of China and which
playedan important part
in Chinese history, has
for a long period of time
been ignored without
preservation or im-
provement. Sadly, there
have been no exciting
developments in Chi-
nese pottery since the
Chin Dynasty. Lately I
have noticed a new
movement in Taiwan, a
surge of interest in cul-
tural preservation. In my
own way, [ hope I can
join this force with my
own artwork.

Thankfully, | geta lot of

Support and emoourage-

ment from my family,
friends and of course, the Thompson Valley Pot-
ter’s Guild, of which I am a member. Over the
years, members of the Guild have jet me fire pots in
their kilns, sample their clays and glazes, and have
always been ready to help me solve technique
problems. Without their help and guidance, I'd still
be making lopsided vases and dishes to this day.

I'm honoured that my work was chosen for the Silk
Read Exhibition at the Gallery of BC ceramics. I'd
like to acknowledge all the peaple who made it a
successful exhibition,

May Leung