Nestled in the tranquil village of Xianghu (湘湖), Jingdezhen (景德镇), a small, unassuming studio serves as both a workspace and a sanctuary for the artist known simply as Youji. The studio, a modest structure with whitewashed walls and concrete floors, blends seamlessly with the local residences, embodying simplicity and authenticity. Inside, the space is a chaotic yet harmonious blend of ceramics, calligraphy, and small oil paintings, all scattered without apparent order. The unadorned nature of the studio reflects the artist’s connection to the raw, untamed beauty of life, which is evident in the open fields visible from the entrance.
Youji moved into this studio named “Organic” three years ago, shortly after graduating from Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute in the summer of 2020. Since then, he has crafted thousands of bowls, each one unique in its color and design. His bowls, adorned with muted hues like matte white, deep blue, and faded pink, are more than mere pottery; they are canvases for his spontaneous creativity. The unpredictable glaze patterns and free-flowing lines give each piece a sense of life and movement, making them both functional and artistic. He shares his creations on lifestyle platforms like Xiaohongshu, where they have gained popularity, with prices ranging from hundreds to thousands of yuan.
The Rhythm of Creation
For Youji, the process of creation is deeply intuitive and unstructured. He does not follow a fixed schedule or plan; instead, he allows his instincts to guide him. Without preliminary sketches or pre-formed ideas, he approaches each bowl with a sense of exploration, letting the material and moment dictate the outcome. This approach results in works like his popular "Red Fireworks" bowl, where the surface is adorned with chaotic, yet mesmerizing, patterns of red, blue, and purple glazes. The design, reminiscent of a fireworks display, was not premeditated; it was only after sharing it online that someone likened it to fireworks, giving the piece its name.
Art, according to him, is driven by intuition—a primal, almost animalistic sense that dictates the form and feeling of each piece. This raw vitality is what he treasures most in his work. There are times when a bowl turns out so perfectly that he hesitates to sell it, knowing that the exact combination of emotions and circumstances that produced it can never be replicated. Attempts to recreate these moments invariably fall short, as the forced nature of the repetition strips the work of its original spontaneity.
Having studied drawing from a young age, he developed a strong foundation in shaping and modeling, skills that are crucial in pottery. However, he believes that true mastery lies not just in technical proficiency but in the ability to infuse each piece with a sense of rhythm and flow. This is particularly evident in his approach to glazing, where the balance between control and freedom is key. He often speaks of the process in musical terms, likening the application of glaze to the rhythm of a melody, where each technique—whether underglaze, overglaze, or carving—contributes to the overall harmony of the piece.
Embracing the Unconventional
Youji’s work is also characterized by his willingness to embrace imperfections and challenge traditional notions of beauty. In his studio, there are numerous pieces of calligraphy scattered across cabinets, walls, and tables. These are not conventional characters but rather abstract, rhythmic lines that convey a sense of movement and tension. This same philosophy extends to his pottery, where he often incorporates elements that would traditionally be considered flaws, such as uneven textures or exposed clay. For example, his bowls frequently feature a distinctive grainy texture and small pits in the glaze, which were once considered defects in traditional ceramics. Youji, however, views them as part of the bowl’s character, a testament to its creation process.
In the traditional art of pottery, a smooth and flawless surface was the ideal, with any deviations seen as imperfections. But for Youji, these "imperfections" are what give his work its unique identity. He explains that modern kilns burn at higher temperatures, causing the glaze to melt more thoroughly and produce a smoother finish. By deliberately allowing the clay to show through in places, he creates a more organic and natural appearance, one that feels timeless and spontaneous.
Despite having an electric kiln in his studio, Youji often prefers to use the public gas kiln in the neighboring building. The presence of oxygen in the gas kiln and the higher temperatures it achieves result in bowls that are more transparent and powerful, compared to the more brittle and cloudy results from an electric kiln. This choice reflects his commitment to the unpredictable and organic qualities of his work, where the final outcome is always a blend of intention and chance.
Finding Beauty in the Unlikely
Youji’s journey as an artist has been one of constant exploration and self-discovery. Influenced by artists like Wu Guanzhong, his work bears traces of the past while still carving out its own identity. He often speaks of the importance of "emptiness" in his work, a concept rooted in traditional Chinese philosophy. The idea that the void within a bowl is what makes it functional resonates deeply with him. It is this sense of space, of potential, that he believes gives his work its power.
His connection to pottery is not just artistic but deeply personal. Growing up in Xiamen, he recalls how his family used large bowls instead of cups during celebrations, a practical solution that left a lasting impression on him. This early experience, combined with a childhood incident where he accidentally broke a bowl before an important exam, has shaped his understanding of the significance of everyday objects.
Today, Youji continues to explore the boundaries of his craft, drawing inspiration from unlikely sources and finding beauty in the most unexpected places. His work, much like his studio, is a reflection of his belief that true art is not about perfection but about capturing the fleeting, imperfect moments that make life extraordinary.
