The other day Eliza Wang sent me a link for a poster. It announces the winners of “The Shoulders We Stand On”, a Potters’ Council show being presented at this year’s NCECA in Florida. It’s so exciting that her work has been selected.
Click on the link to see the poster with photos of 5 pieces in the show and the list of other winners. The opening reception is tomorrow, April 1st so if you’re at NCECA now don’t miss it! Sadly Eliza won’t be there.
This is the Artist’s Statement Eliza wrote to accompany her work. So apart from a very elegant and masterfully made piece she made it even more interesting to my Western eyes by explaining the importance of the Lotus plant. To this statement Eliza has added this:
Congratulations Eliza from all the TriCity Potters!
Artist Statement
My work is about balance and fusion: The balance between form and surface design and the fusion of western culture and my Chinese heritage. Using nature as my inspiration, I like to infuse Chinese meaning into my pieces by celebrating the symbolism behind particular animals, plants and flowers.
More often than not, the symbols and motifs seen on Chinese decorative arts are not merely decorative but represent hidden meanings that convey wishes for good things in life. These pictorial puns can be “read” for their inspirational meanings.
The Meaning of the Pot
Different parts of the Lotus bear auspicious meanings. The flower symbolizes marriage and purity. The seedpod bursting with seeds symbolizes fertility. The Lotus also means harmony and peace.
