The Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival kicks off Friday in downtown Pensacola. This year's Invited International Artist is Yixin Lin from Hunan Province, China's ancient "porcelain capital" Lin will discuss her work and inspiration, the process of ceramic art and her city in a public presentation at 5:30 this evening at Pensacola State College. She spoke about her work with WUWF's Sandra Averhart.
What was inspiration to become an artist and potter?
"When i was studying in Beijing, my major was general: experimental art. I became familiar with many different kids of art like oil painting and installation. But then I had an optional class which is ceramics and I am very interested in the clay because it is so flexible and expressive. At that time I am very interested in emotion and connection with people so I think clay would be the perfect medium for me to work with."
On her studies abroad (UK):
"I felt quite lost at the beginning because there is so much cultural difference. But I think it is a good thing because it helps me to try to settle down and find inner peace. I started looking at the philosophy and aesthetics of the culture that I come from, oriental culture, that's where I find the theme for my work later one."
About her technique:
"When i was studying in London I was very interested in oriental philosophy and aesthetics, especially Japanese aesthetics like Wabi-Sabi, it tells about appreciation of imperfection and impermanence- this kind of beauty, which is very different than the kind of beauty we normally find like perfectly spotless or flawless. So I think that is very interesting because it can actually bring the work alive with a personal touch. so I started exploring the clay's natural quality and looking at the nature of things around me and get inspiration from them."
What are some other things that inspire you?
"it's a very personal view. For me, I feel that the world is a very fragile and sensitive world. I can see the green leaves turn to yellow and the fruits fall from the trees and lovers in love and breaking up. It's like I own something but it will not last forever so I want to express these very sentimental feelings through my work, that is a big influence as well."
What do you envision for your future?
"In the future I think I want to develop, like next year, I want to work more with light because I think light is playing a very important role in my work. It's very beautiful, if I can combine my work with light I would like that. Ideally I am very interested in different cultures Eastern cultures and Western cultures and how I can combine these two culture together and make things. I also would like to be a cross cultural researcher or artist in the future."
