I recently attended the opening of Fired Identity, a show of work by Greater Vancouver Chinese Canadian Artists in Clay. It was co-curated by Kwantlen University instructor Ying Yueh Chuang and Jean Paull. Participating artist and local potter friend Eliza Wang invited me, with the treat of being driven all the way down to Kwantlen Polytechnic University by her daughter Audrey.
Eliza was delighted to tell me that the artist in this group who has worked longest with clay, Ping Kwong Wong, was at Art School with her many years ago when they were both students in Hong Kong. He has made pots and taught pottery here in the Lower Mainland for a long time. Below are his elaborate forms. I thoroughtly enjoy the complexity of them, particularly the wiggly surfaces on some.
Sorry my photos are somewhat blurry. It’s hard to take good pics when the work is behind glass.
Below is work by Eliza Wang, and a group of pieces by other artists. I didn’t manage to take photos of everything I saw. Do pop in to see the show in the Spruce Atrium Gallery until June 26th 2026.
And here are astonishing pieces by Burnaby artist Amy Chang. These are all made of clay!
Ying Yueh thanked us all for attending the opening and introduced each of the artists. In this photo you see her with Eliza Wang and Amy Chang. She also invited us to visit the ceramic department’s area nearby where students were anxiously completing their final assignments. Below are some pieces by Ying Yueh.
Ying-Yueh has sent me photos of the artists. Thank you.
If I can find time I’d still like to post pics taken at the super Canadian Clay Symposium, and of Fraser Valley Potters show at Deer Lake AG. Then Tricity Potters have a show opening at Place des Arts next Friday. Plus I’m trying out a new white earthenware clay so hope to have a firing for those tests asap. Watch this space!
It’s wonderful to see the depth and diversity of clay work showcased in Fired Identity—especially the connection between artists like Eliza and Ping Kwong Wong, whose shared history adds such rich context to their pieces. The complexity of forms, like those with wiggly surfaces, really highlight the skill and creativity within this community. I’m excited to visit the Spruce Atrium Gallery and experience the work firsthand.
I do hope you get time to post about the other shows, Gillian. It is wonderful to borrow your eyes through your blog. Thank you for taking us along in this fashion.
I love how you highlighted the personal connections between the artists—it really shows how artistic communities grow and inspire one another. The descriptions of the intricate forms and wiggly surfaces also make it easy to imagine the energy and skill behind each piece.
What a fabulous show – wish I had been able to it
in person! Thanks for sharing, Gillian