Artist Statement

I see clay as an extension of myself as it records my touch and curiosity. I use clay to explore how to engage my identity as a Vietnamese American in context with historical and contemporary traditions.
Stemming from my inspiration with the imagery in Vietnamese pottery, I present a hybrid of technology and nature as a machine fabricated tool that renders the image of a flower. On clay I dig and refine, I combine 3D printed ribs and stamps based on historic motifs with the atmospheric effects in order to create a depth in context and surface. I can only direct the collaboration of atmospheric kilns as it highlights the composition by activating areas of raw clay and softening glazes I applied.

Utilitarian function is essential to my work, but a successful vessel allows me to explore my own necessity of purpose and contrives a conversation of beauty in identity with its user.