This week has been about listening and observing more than doing — which, in a way, is the best thing I could ask for to detach from my usual workflow and enter a more inspired mood to start tackling my project for the upcoming exibition.
I started attending a Tuesday class at Tainan National University of the Arts: laoshi Chang’s course on functional throwing. Watching his demo was a real reminder of how much skill and grace can fit into a single gesture and how much knowledge and personality can fit a very functional piece we use daily. I feel extremely lucky for his kindness - these classes are not always open to visitors, but laoshi is just so kind.
Later in the week, I joined an artist demo with Kouzo Takeuchi, Sayaka Shingu, Aya Murata, and Chung Wenting — a wonderful curator and artist herself, Taiwanese but based in Tokyo. Together we also visited Jing Clay Formosa, where yet another wood kiln is currently under construction, surrounded by the stunning nature of inner Taiwan - and its Mangoes.
Needless to say how much exposure to art and artists is the best way to cultivate creativity. I get so much of that around here.