We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jing Huang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jing below.
Hi Jing, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As a Chinese ceramic female artist, navigating spaces where I am the sole representative of my appearance has been both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. This experience has allowed me to contribute to the broader artistic dialogue while staying true to my identity.
My diasporic experience, moving from China to travel and live in different cultures, has taught me how interacting with diverse communities can profoundly impact an individual’s growth, values, mindset, and creativity.
I was born and raised in Guilin (桂林), a small tourist city in southern China. In 2013, I brought my art practice abroad to Canada and later to the US in 2018. Integrating the complexity of North American culture through hands-on and academic study, as well as residencies, shaped new aspects of my personality and mindset, influencing how I approach my work.
In North America, few others share my background, and I have encountered both negative and positive experiences as a Chinese woman. I’ve been asked not to speak my native language while talking with my Chinese friend in a restaurant, but I’ve also been encouraged to speak up and add my diverse experiences to discussions. Over time, I began to understand that my background and identity can bring a fresh voice to the community, and I should not suppress it.
As I stay here longer, the boundaries between what is ‘new’ and ‘unfamiliar’ to me are blurring, and I find myself constantly searching for my identity somewhere in between. Amid the dislocation and ambiguity of being neither here nor there, I anchor myself by tracing the liminal space between my ‘past’ and ‘present’ within my studio. Drawing inspiration from my cultural heritage, such as Chinese scholar’s rock and my hometown’s landscape, I incorporate these elements into my work, creating pieces that tell a story about my identity and my unique experience in the world. The karst limestone mountains from my hometown shrink down to a rock form, embellished with rivers and clouds, becoming the basic building block for me to create a sense of place.
In 2021, facing increased awareness of social tension, violence, injustice, and AAPI hate, I co-curated an exhibition titled “Here, There; Now, Then: In Between Journeys” that brings together several artists inspired by their cross-cultural understanding and interpretation between the cultures of China and the US. Acknowledging our lives and histories, we foregrounded new and evolving voices, transformed power, and the potential for the integration of cultures in the whole ceramic community.
These experiences and practices not only help me to overcome challenges but also foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for diversity in the art world.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a ceramic artist originally from Guilin, China, and currently living and working in Charlotte, North Carolina. My artistic journey has taken me through diverse cultures, acquiring degrees and experiences from China, Canada, and the US.
My work explores nature, identity, sense of place, and cultural displacement. My sculptures are usually hand-built part by part without a specific plan, and then assembled together to create an unknown structure. By applying multiple layers of ceramic materials, the runny glazes I use flow and pool naturally, responding to the gravity and structure of the piece. This experimental and unexpected process, from creation to firing and installation, is the most exciting aspect for me. It has resulted in an evolving artwork that surpasses my initial imagination.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I believe three qualities – cultural adaptability, an experimental mindset, and a commitment to continuous learning – have profoundly shaped my artistic journey.
The ability to navigate and appreciate diverse cultures has played a crucial role in shaping my perspective. Experiencing and exploring different traditions, approaches and techniques has not only broadened my horizons but also infused richness into my creative process. Embracing an open and risk-taking approach has allowed my current body of work to unfold organically. I vividly recall the first sculpture that I decided to deviate from a planned sketch, opting for an unpredictable process; the result was unexpected and opened up new avenues for my exploration. Additionally, I have always stayed curious and committed to continuous learning. Over many years of learning and practicing, a solid and strong foundation in ceramic techniques and knowledge provides me with the confidence to push the boundaries.
To those who are just starting their artistic journey, my advice is to embrace openness; don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, try new techniques, and let your creative process flow naturally. The path of an artist is a journey of self-discovery, and each twist and turn contributes to your unique artistic voice.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
I take breaks when I feel extremely overwhelmed. My signal for being overwhelmed is an inability to focus on what I should do next. In these moments, I find it’s crucial to step away, allowing me to take a short break, clear my mind, and prevent burnout. During these breaks, I often engage in activities that help me relax and recharge – taking a short walk, practicing deep breathing exercises, or simply listening to music.
Another helpful strategy is to revisit my priorities and break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This can make the overall goal seem less daunting and allow me to regain a sense of control over my workload.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.jinghuangceramics.com
- Instagram: jing_ceramics
Image Credits
Personal Photo Credit: ChengOu Yu Additional (Work) Photos Credit: Jing Huang
