We recently had the chance to connect with Luyao Chang and have shared our conversation below.
Luyao, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
I would hire me because I bring a unique combination of hands-on artistic practice, teaching experience, and expertise in managing creative projects. I’m skilled in both traditional and digital media, installation, and ceramics, and I know how to handle artwork, equipment, and studio resources safely and efficiently.
I’m adaptable, organized, self-motivated and proactive, whether guiding students in workshops, preparing exhibitions, or assisting with gallery operations. I take initiative to solve challenges and support the team while maintaining a high standard of professionalism.
I’m also deeply invested in fostering creative communities and helping artists or students thrive, which aligns closely with your organization’s mission. My mix of practical skills, creativity, and dedication makes me confident that I can contribute meaningfully and positively to your team.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Lulu Luyao Chang, a multidisciplinary artist, maker and educator based in Chicago. My work spans sculpture, installation, video, and handcrafted ceramics. I recently launched my ceramics brand, DAiLY SPECiAL, where I create whimsical, functional pieces—cups, jewelry, and home décor—that blend playful nostalgia with organic forms. Each piece is thoughtfully handmade, exploring color, texture, and everyday beauty.
Through DAiLY SPECiAL, I aim to bring a little delight and surprise into daily life, whether it’s a cup that feels like it belongs in a dream, a necklace that rattles with hidden clay beads, or a playful wall hanging inspired by the patterns of daily life. I continue to develop my practice at the intersection of craft and art, finding joy in experimentation and the tactile, handmade experience.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One moment that really shaped how I see the world was when I first learned about the 1989 Tiananmen Protest and Massacre at eight years old, from my mom. I was struck by the contradiction between the caring, sanitized version in my textbooks and the harsh reality of what actually happened. It revealed to me how deeply information can be manipulated, even in education, and how narratives can be crafted to serve power—an early lesson in questioning what we are told and looking beneath the surface.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I started turning my pain into power through my art practice. Growing up in a world of contradictions—between what I was taught and what I experienced—left a lasting impact. Over time, I realized I could channel that tension into my work, using sculpture, ceramics, and installation to explore control, memory, and identity. What once felt like vulnerability became a tool for storytelling and reflection, transforming personal and inherited trauma into forms that invite empathy, curiosity, and dialogue.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m deeply committed to projects that explore social engagement, justice, and the impact of censorship, no matter how long they take. My art practice—spanning installation, sculpture, and ceramics—investigates how invisible systems of control shape personal and collective experience. I’m fascinated by the tension between freedom and restriction, between what is seen and what is hidden. Through my work, I try to turn pain, memory, and observation into something tangible—spaces where audiences can reflect, question, and imagine alternative realities. It’s a long-term pursuit, but it’s one I can’t step away from.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Honestly, I don’t think I’d stop anything — I’d probably try even more. I’d want to travel and keep learning as much as I can. I’m always interested in some of the ceramics programs in Japan and the Netherlands. Maybe I’d stop so focus on making, instead learning and exploring more new techniques with full curiosity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lululuyaochang.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailyspecial_ceramics/; https://www.instagram.com/6u6usaferoom/
Image Credits
Lulu Luyao Chang
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