《雙長相因──不囿於「很美」的陶藝實踐》

藝訊 2010年十月號

劉宏達 / 《雙長相因》陶藝展參展者及協助成員

「能身為一分子見證整件事的誕生,使我感到驕傲。」

《雙長相因》陶藝展及配套活動將於本月舉行,是次展覽參展者為歷屆澳洲皇家墨爾本理工大學(RMIT)與香港藝術學院合辦之文學士(藝術)課程的陶藝主修畢業生。

溯源
《雙長相因》陶藝展的念頭可說是純粹的,由「大家再一次走在一起」出發。其意念產生,能追溯至二零零八年,策動的是一班主修陶藝的畢業生。意念初出至今天 展覽的出現歷時兩年半,一小步一小步的,走到今天寬敞的展場,讓歷屆畢業生以此作平台,另透過多元的配合活動,訴說著陶土與大家的故事。

和泥,塑一個我
若意念本是一個聚合同台展,讓久別的畢業生來一次「舊生展」,不算新奇。然而,「娛樂」與「美的享受」而「聯展」豈是終極目標?豈能符合他們的使命?
因為不甘於這只是一個舊生展,展覽委員會成員經連番討論,反思展覽主題,最終取名「雙長相因」,我會這樣演繹:陶土成形至燒製完成的同時,意念如一粒種子 得以萌芽與成長,即「雙長」;我在塑造陶土,陶土同時形成了我,二者關係密不可分,是彼此之源,是「相因」。「雙長相因」一詞,概述了參展者在技藝學養 上,隨年月的積累,有所進益,製成作品;反過來,作品的呈現又反映作者本人。
這標題最能彰顯習陶者(即我們)與生活的孿生關係──錯綜複雜、千絲萬縷,既是因,又是果,創作與生活雙生雙長,相長相生,既平行又互摻。

陶藝聯繫你我他
整個計劃不止於視覺上的考慮,可謂多元可親,照顧大家的知性與感官需要。
其中,「分享集」的出現,是延伸展覽可讀性的好幫手,讓我們扮演「導聽陶說」者,以陶/圖結合文字,叫觀眾的2D-3D思維、文字與圖像互相撞擊。展覽為 社區團體及公眾提供導賞已屬常事,計劃中更會配以涉及觸感的教育角,展示有關陶藝與自身的及感官上的關係,嘗試填補都市人久違了的觸感空隙。
另外,當中亦有一題為「講?講去,港泥要點去?」的論壇,歡迎公眾參與,邀請多位陶藝界與非陶藝界的資深藝術家、藝術工作者,實行來一次有關香港陶藝的集體智慧腦震盪。

泥土如何改變我們?
一直以來,我們也會說作品與作者的關係密切,創作者在思維的養成與時代環境,與他們的思想洞見息息相關:
最為明顯的,是參展者陳思光於異地發現自己於烹飪與做陶方式並無二致的描述,他亦提到:透過陶藝,個人本身變得不那麼害怕失敗,甚至不介意冒險和作一些徹底性的抉擇。
Zoe  Coughlan指出她在做陶的過程中,「做」成為了「瞭解」與「感知」的方法。認為當我們充分發揮所「想」,直覺因而得以發展,隨之能與外界聯繫……而「習慣」之形成,成為找出問題與解難的規律,可見當中藉實際行動,思想方式因此改變。
蕭錦嫺認為心手互為關顧溝通 之際,陶泥蛻變,而實象亦呈現,「自己」也在其中。
何敏儀指出,製陶給予自己在單調擠壓的生活中,稍作抽離。「在這安靜沉默的一刻,陶泥與我完全理解對方,確切地知道彼此間深切的連繫。」
獨處凝望,一切都回來了!

但願不止是陶友……
光陰荏苒,十載時光過去,是甚麼驅使我們仍有這股傻勁埋首工作?不吝嗇自己的付出?也是為了一樣東西──泥。「我塑造陶土之時,陶土亦改變了我」為箇中魅 力之一?還是追求陶我兩忘的「化境」?或是「我泥中有你,你泥中有我」1的詩意?除此,仍有絕大的部分也非單靠言語以確切傳達的。還是,更多的,是基於大 家對陶藝作為藝術一分子的發展仍舊關注,對創作仍有的一份執著,以及於陶藝之中及以外的抱負與使命感?

註︰
1.原出元代管道升《我儂詞》,她得悉丈夫趙孟頫欲納妾而作下此婉轉的詞。原文:「你儂我儂,忒煞情多,情多處,熱如火。 把一塊泥,捻一個你,塑一個我。 將咱兩個,一齊打破,用水調和。 再捻一個你,再塑一個我。 我泥中有你,你泥中有我。 與你生同一個衾,死同一個槨。」

Dual Plasticity: Unconfined by the Traditional Ideals of Beauty

from Artslink oct 2010

Lau Wang–tat / Participants and helper of the Dual Plasticity exhibition

”It is my pride to take part in and witness the birth of this exhibition.”

Dual Plasticity is a ceramic exhibition.  This exhibition showcases ceramic works created by graduates from the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) Programme, which is co-presented by RMIT University, Australia, and Hong Kong Art School.

The Origin
Dual Plasticity started with a simple idea of “let’s get back together and make some art”.  The idea was populated amongst a group of ceramics graduates with a shared passion for clay.  It was the creative exchanges between participants [these ceramic artists?] in the past two years that led to this grand scale project, with supporting activities at the spacious JCCAC galleries.  It is our honour to share our creative experiences and artistic passion with you all today at this ceramic exhibition.

Kneading My Clay and Modeling Myself
It is common for graduates to come together and co-create an exhibition.  However, a co-exhibition for pure aesthetic enjoyment and satisfaction amongst us is not the aim of our artistic pursuits.  Through a series of discussions between our members, we decided to exhibit under the theme of “Dual Plasticity”, to share our thoughts and stories about our creative process with the public.
During our study to become professional ceramic artists, we learnt how to transform and mold clay into the form we desired and to further use it as a medium to express ourselves.  “Plasticity” is one of the unique properties of clay.  It signifies the capability of clay to be modeled and ultimately transformed into the desired form.  However, as we work with clay throughout our lives, we discover that not only do we the artists take part in the modeling process, the clay itself too models and transforms us at the same time.   Clay not only changes our way of thinking and our way of perceiving things, it sometimes radically transforms our lives, careers and goals in life.  Hence, “plasticity” is not only a term applicable towards clay, but is also relevant to describing artists whose lives are modeled by clay.  In light of this highly bilateral relationship between artists and their materials, we chose “Dual Plasticity” as the theme of this exhibition.

The “Dual Plasticity” between You and Me
In this exhibition, we have a “Book of Sharing” that collects various photos of clay works and writings from the artists.  Through the actual artworks and the descriptions in the book, we hope to provide a more interactive curating experience to the audience.
There will also be a Forum at the exhibition on the topic of “Review and Outlook of Hong Kong Ceramics”.  We are very honoured to have experienced artists and distinguished personalities from the arts industry to share their views with the public.  All visitors are welcome to participate in the Forum and learn more about the ceramic art scene in Hong Kong.

How did Clay Transform Us?
We have mentioned the close relationship between clay and artists.  To better illustrate this idea, we have interviewed a few exhibitors:-
“Through creating my artworks, I understand that it is essential to go through trial and failure before one is able to produce a successful artwork.  Now, I become less afraid of failure and allow myself more room to make mistakes.  I do not mind taking risks and radical steps in life as a form of experimentation.  Over the past few years, I have changed my career and have been learning new things from artists all over the world.  I am eager to see how I have transformed through this process of searching.”  (Chan See-kwong Ray)
“Making becomes a way of knowing.  The actions associated with working with clay, understanding the properties of the material and the frustrations involved engage our minds in a different way… We develop an understanding of our way of thinking and how we connect with the world outside.  These “habits” establish a rhythm between problem solving and problem finding.  Through action, we start to think differently. “ (Zoe  Coughlan)
“As I transform my clay, my mind and hands are united.  Gradually, the clay is transformed into the form I desire, preserving the “I” in it.” (Siu Kam-han)
“In this moment of silence, sometimes I feel that the clay and I understand each other perfectly. We know exactly what the other wants to do and work in perfect harmony.” (Ho Man-yee Blanche)

Afterwords
For ten years, we have worked tirelessly to produce works of clay.  There were times when we questioned our undying drive in artistic pursuit.  Where does this vibe come from? Why are we willing to sacrifice so much for our artistic career? Maybe the answer lies in the charisma of clay itself.  Many of us here have experienced the intense bond between our clay and ourself.  Through modeling our clay, we are able to search for our own identity and ultimately transform ourselves into a more complete person.  Perhaps this is also opening the door to the spiritual experience where one can forget one’s individual identity and bond with the world as a whole.  Or even it can be the kind of artistic romanticism as described in the line of “In my clay I see you, and in your clay I can see myself”.  These experiences and spiritual elements of ceramics are hard to express through words alone.  Yet one thing we are certain is that we all share the same genuine concern for the future development of ceramics and have a strong sense of responsibility towards continuing our contribution to this art form.

“Dual Plasticity” Ceramics Exhibition (Press Release)

In celebration of the graduation of the 10th cohort of the Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) program, co-presented by the RMIT University, Australia and the Hong Kong Art School (a division of Hong Kong Arts Centre), 43 ceramics alumni from the past ten years are proud to present their most recent work in a ceramics exhibition and to put on a series of events under the theme “Dual Plasticity” – to mold and be molded.

In this exhibition, not only ceramic artworks are to be displayed: in addition, the graduates attempt to share with the viewers how clay has changed them individually through the making of an exhibition publication, the “Book of Sharing”.

Continue reading ““Dual Plasticity” Ceramics Exhibition (Press Release)”

Come elbow bump us! (Press Release of Art-n-Connectors)

Come elbow bump us!

The first MA in Fine Arts class from The Chinese University of Hong Kong to unveil group show art-n-connectors

Hong Kong (June 4, 2010): The first cohort of MA in Fine Arts students from The Chinese University of Hong Kong will open its show, “art-n-connectors” on July 2, 2010 at the Hong Kong Visual Arts Center.

The exhibition will showcase works of more than 20 artists that reflect diverse practices, skills, professional experience, and personal background. Differences have worked for rather than against these practitioners in a group setting — bringing new light, excitement, and possibilities that enrich each other’s art practices, approaches, and ways of thinking.

It is Art that’s the Connector (another name for elbow bump, a unique way of greeting by touching or tapping elbows) as much as these art practitioners are the connectors who want to reach all walks of life, extraterrestrial included, through their plethora of practices, issues interested, and medium deployed ranging from painting, sculpture, installation, ceramics, glass to performance, photography, video, and community projects.

Aiming to engage new audiences and different communities, the participating practitioners will also host a ‘Meet-the-Artists’ session on Saturday July 3, 2010 from 3pm to 5pm in conjunction with this exhibition.

Show Details:

Venue: Exhibition Hall, Hong Kong Visual Arts Center, 7A Kennedy Road, Central (inside Hong Kong Park) [google map]
Date: Friday, July 2 – Friday, July 9, 2010; closed on Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Time: 10am-9pm; July 9, 2010 10am-6pm

Opening Reception:

Thursday, July 1, 2010, 7-8:30pm

Meet-the-Artists Session:

Venue:   Exhibition Hall, Hong Kong Visual Arts Center [google map]
Date: Saturday, July 3, 2010
Time: 3pm-5pm

Arty Privy Hong Kong Arts Centre 30th Anniversary

Introduction & Background

“Art Privy” is a public art project done by students and graduates of Hong Kong Arts Centre (HKAC), together with architect designers who support the HKAC. The group collaborated on this experimental project which was initiated by the “Building Committee*” of HKAC to commemorate the 30th anniversary of HKAC.

5 floors of toilets accessible to the public were selected and assigned to different designers and artists to design a site specific toilet interior design to suit the unique explorative & experimental spirit of HKAC.

We encourage you to explore and experience these yourself whenever you are in the vicinity, they are located at 5/F (Pao Gallery), 4/F (Jockey Club Gallery/ Pumpernickel Café), 3/F (Experimental Gallery), UB/F (Agnes b Cinema). & LB/F (McAulay Studio). There are also “Guided Map” & “Guided Tours” available on site. Email: guidedtour@hkac.org.hk

Ms Fiona Wong, who is HKAC tutor as well as our local reknowned practicing ceramic artist, had kindly assisted to introduce and coordinate various selected artists to materialize this experimental project. Thanks to her dedicated effort.

We introduced here below the concept design statement of each of the designer’s/artists’ team revealing their thoughts when designing these functional spaces and gem pieces.

Funds came from “Jockey Club”. Main material sponsor is “Roca”, who kindly sponsored all the fittings for this special series of experimental art project; other sponsors include St Glas & Formica. The project would not have been possible without their support.

*Building Committee Members – Mr Bryant Lu, Ms Julia Lau, Mr K K Kwan, Mr Peter Yuen, Mr Sammy Mak

Artist Statement

8. Siu Kam Han
A den for woman is a place full of beautiful
things.The one for man is a primitive place, quite,
comfort and full of love. It is a placenta.

Full article: Arty Privy Hong Kong Arts Centre 30th Anniversary [pdf]

陶情密意 Presence in Clay (Press Release)

陶情密意劉宏達、蕭錦嫺、余美明陶藝展
在步伐急促的都市中,我們仍認為陶藝之意義從其「慢」而生,我們以手思考,製作出「東西」以抒懷,在展示私密且公開的作品的同時,託以訴說各人的故事,但不限於作結。你可曾意會當中意境?

Presence in Clay
by ceramic artists: Lau Wang Tat, Siu Kam Han &Yu May Ming
Slowness in pottery making is an antidote to fast pace city life.
Through exploration with one’s hands, “objet d’art” that provides
relief is created in the process. The exhibited art piece is
simultaneously private yet public. It bespeaks the artist’s story, yet
how the story may end is irrelevant. Perhaps, the ability to perceive
an inner essence is of greater importance?

地點 Venue: 香港視覺藝術中心展覽廳 Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre Exhibition Hall
(
中環堅尼地道7A / 7A Kennedy Road, Central, Hong Kong )
日期及時間 Date & Time: 05.01.2009 – 16.01.2009(10:00am-9:00pm)
17.01.2009(10:00am-7:00pm)
星期二休館 Closed on Tuesdays

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