Meet Nanxi Jin

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nanxi Jin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nanxi below.

Hi Nanxi , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I think my dad has had a huge influence on my work ethic. To me, he’s a great artist, but he also wears many hats. He’s a doctoral advisor, professor, a curator, and runs his own art center. When my grandfather was sick, he always found time to stay by his side. And when my mom couldn’t do housework or cook because of a skin condition, he would come home after a long day and take care of everything himself. He wakes up early every day to work in his studio, handle paperwork, clean, and make his own art. He never complains about being tired, instead, he just quietly fulfills all his responsibilities. Watching him balance all of these roles with dedication really shaped the way I approach my own work and life.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m an artist working with clay and an educator, originally from Jingdezhen, China, a region renowned for its centuries-old porcelain traditions. My work bridges these rich cultural histories with contemporary approaches, creating pieces that are both functional and sculptural. What excites me most is exploring the dialogue between traditional techniques and modern design, while sharing this knowledge with students and the broader community.
In addition, I run a small business in Chicago, where I transform clay into jewelry and functional objects. Each piece reflects not only the material’s history but also my personal experimentation with form, texture, and glaze. Recently, I’ve been expanding both my business and artistic practice to reach more stores, galleries, and audiences, and I am preparing to showcase new ceramic jewelry collections at upcoming local art markets and exhibitions.
At the same time, I actively participate in competitions, residencies, and exhibitions internationally, which allows me to continually challenge myself, expand my creative vision, and connect with a global community of artists.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Discipline and Responsibility
In both my artistic practice and teaching, discipline allows me to consistently explore and create, while responsibility ensures I honor my commitments to students and clients. For those starting out, I recommend setting small daily goals and sticking to them; even short, consistent practice sessions accumulate into meaningful progress over time.

Deep Understanding of Materials and Techniques
A strong knowledge of ceramic materials, glazes, and firing processes gives me the freedom to experiment and combine traditional techniques with contemporary design. Beginners can benefit from hands-on practice, asking questions, observing carefully, and learning from books or mentors to gradually understand how materials behave.

Communication and Sharing Skills
Teaching, exhibitions, and running a small business all require clearly expressing ideas and understanding others’ needs. Early-career artists can start by leading small workshops or participating in creative communities, practicing both listening and sharing their own process confidently.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I am always open to partnerships and collaborations. I am particularly interested in connecting with fellow artists, designers, galleries, and creative organizations who are interested in exploring ceramics in innovative ways—whether through exhibitions, workshops, or product collaborations. I’m also interested in educational partnerships that allow me to share ceramic techniques and cultural traditions with broader audiences.
If you’re interested in collaborating, the best way to connect with me is via email at [email protected]. I welcome conversations about creative projects, exhibitions, workshops, and other opportunities where we can combine our skills and ideas.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nanxijin.com
• Instagram: @jinceramics