Abstract:
Ceramics is the creative expression of the Confucian and Taoist thought systems of Chinese traditional culture, which has a long history. I grew up in China, and was naturally influenced by Chinese culture, and then moved to New Zealand to mix with and learn about other cultures. My understanding of traditional Chinese culture has been a long process of development, from an initial prim and constrained culture, to the harmonious and relaxed later; this process helped me gain a new understanding of Chinese traditional culture through self-reflection after eight years of New Zealand life. Fortunately, I live by the sea recently, especially in the special year of 2020, I have the unique opportunity juncture for self-review and solitude. I can often walk on the beach near my residence, watch the distant landscape and wait for the time to pass. I think that is my yearning for nature and freedom, and also the source of my creative inspiration. This research, using ceramics as the material, and different creative methods as the process, presents how Confucianism and Taoism affect ceramics, and expresses how Chinese philosophies respect nature, and pursue a state of life with freedom in mind.
