Jumping with Tradition

摘要

The best way to assess the real qualities of a ceramist's work, Xing Liang Kun believes, is for it to be shown anonymously in a mixed exhibition where its qualities should stand out. Xing Liang Kun is one of the few ceramists who are confident enough to allow their work to be shown in such a way. The art of pottery can be highly demanding technically as well as creatively. Although basic techniques are required to make ceramics, these will not in themselves be sufficient to create a work of art, to turn creative design into reality. Imagine, for example, a small ceramic ball placed inside a bigger ceramic ball, which can move freely. What if an even smaller ball is placed into the small ball? Difficult? How about making nine layers of balls inside balls? In addition, each should be colourfully glazed and move freely, while at the same time ensuring that none of them can be taken out - too difficult a technical challenge for most potters.