One Cup

One Cup Yau Chung Tong

Royal College of Art Ceramic & Glass 2021

Artist Statement

My work focus on the functionality of objects and the experience that craft brings into our everyday life. The creative process with clay captures an impulsive emotion with me on the potter’s wheel and an inner narrative at a particular moment. Every pot carries messages to the user. I enjoy the uniqueness in each of my work, as well as the unique personality and life experience of each person that I have encountered. It is important for my work to bring visual sensations to the users and take part in their daily life. This motivates me to be a ceramic artist who strives to reveal the true self of clay and find the best balance between the material, potential users, and myself.

Yunomi (‘Yunomi’ in Japanese means a cup without handles)

When I am sitting in front of the potter’s wheel, I often remind myself that someone could be holding one of my ceramics in their daily life. It gives me a heightened sense of mindfulness. Pots may represent the emotion of the maker, yet they aren’t complete without the interaction of the user.

Tea Cup Tea has a better flavour when they are still hot. Small tea cups allow their users to drink quicker before the tea cools down. People use them very often in Chinese tea ceremonies.

Bowl

I have five members in my family including myself. Each of us has our own bowl. Each bowl represents an individual person on the dinner table. The happiest moment is always the time when there are five bowls. It is the time that we have the most joy and happiness.

Vase

Lots of thought goes into the making of my vases. I often ask myself what kind of vases I would like to bring to the users. Some vases are already beautiful by themselves without flowers. They move towards sculpture. Some vases embrace the beauty of flowers.

They sit quietly at the table with minimal attention. However, when flowers come, they become a feast for the eyes. I have been seeking the balance between them.

Off - Colour

It is difficult to create a work that is unglazed. I can no longer use glazes to cover any marks. It feels like the pot is standing naked, ready for the viewers to judge.

Yet, I like the feeling of the honesty, to express my emotion without any protection. When my fingers touch the surface of the pot, I feel the rhythm of it breathing.

Glazes

Albert Bridge, London

However, colour takes a huge part in my creation. Each city has its own colour tone.

In Los Angeles, there are beautiful sunshine from Spring to Winter. Therefore, the colours are bright and rich. In London, the weather is mostly cloudy and it rains very often. I see colours more dull and less saturated. When I decide on glaze combinations, it is important for me to express the mood of the city as the pots are made for the users.

Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Spain

Thank you.