2021 AWARD WINNER | Manchester School of Art

ZHENLIAN WU

Manchester School of Art | BA Hons Three Dimensional Design

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Describe your first encounter with clay?

My first encounter with clay was at university on a 9 am induction day.  I remember how I was excited to find a material that’s so flexible, where I felt I can make anything from sculptural to functional and anything between. I enjoyed the session and by the end, I’ve realised I had to wait for the natural process of clay drying, glazing, and firing, it makes me want to learn more about clay and how far I can challenge clay with my creativity.

Why did you choose ceramics?

When I found out I can cast liquid clay; I knew I wanted to specialise in ceramics however honestly during that time in my second year in my undergraduate I didn’t know why ceramics. I just knew I wanted to challenge clay and my relationship with clay was pushing its limit of thinness. That was also when I began to be drawn towards bone china, the translucency outcome and process making excites me every time.

Where do you find inspiration? Places, people, objects, music...

My journey with clay and the inspiration has been relating to my surroundings and nature as well as a certain emotion is voiced. I am also inspired to create a piece relating to light this could be natural or artificial light.

What are the tools of your trade that you can't do without?

If I had to pick the top 3 tools it would have to be my sponge, carving tools and sandpaper. They are the tools that make the difference in my pieces and without them, it would be the same or would the work that I am creating so far.

What is a typical day in the studio like?

A typical day in the studio during my time at university, I had the radio on to get my day started. I always have a to-do list to make sure I keep on track of what I need to do since the process takes patience and time.  A lot of the time on a very focused day I forget breaks and they are needed so it was always so good to have a classmate because we all sometimes get lost in our little world of ceramics.

What do the next 12 months have in store for you?

I am looking forward to exhibiting my pieces within the 12 months and learning new skills to move forward to have a studio in the future.   

What advice do you have for those currently studying ceramics in further education?

I learnt that you have to be patient with clay and that nothing can be rushed. So, one piece of advice I would give to the current student is don’t be afraid to try everything and keep testing until you are happy with the outcome.