Hannah Jia
Formality and freedom
Ceramics are the creative expression of the Confucian and Taoist thought systems of ancient Chinese traditional culture.
Growing up in China, I was naturally influenced by Chinese culture. I 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, having experienced an initial prim and constrained culture to a more harmonious and relaxed lifestyle. Eight years of self-reflection living in New Zealand has helped me gain a new understanding of Chinese traditional culture.
Living by the sea was especially fortunate in 2020. Living here I have the unique opportunity for self-review in solitude. I can often walk on the beach near my home, watch the distant landscape and wait for the time to pass. These experiences help meet my yearning for nature and freedom and act as the source of my creative inspiration.
Using ceramics as the material, and different creative methods as the process, this research presents how Confucianism and Taoism affect ceramics, and how Chinese philosophies respect nature and pursue a state of life with freedom in mind.