Today we’d like to introduce you to Eliza Au.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m originally from Canada and received my MFA degree in ceramic art from Alfred University in New York State. After this, I’ve done various residencies to further my art practice, including at the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, Guldagergaad International Research Center in Denmark, and the European Ceramic Work Centre in the Netherlands. I’ve taught in China, Canada and the United States including the Emily Carr University of Art and Design, The University of Iowa and the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing.
I originally got interested in ceramics through learning mold making – which is known as an industrial process but I was interested in using it in a smaller, studio scale to create one-off original objects. I got interested in casting other materials such as glass and metal in graduate school, but still am primarily a ceramic artist.
Has it been a smooth road?
There has been many struggles; I taught for five years as an adjunct, part-time and classes as they were needed; and then full time on contract for five years in Canada, the US and China. It was difficult financially to survive and also to be away from friends and family. It’s been a hard but rewarding experience. Every time I teach in another institution, I need to learn what students are interested in and what they are capable of. It rounds out my experience as an instructor but also informs my art practice.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I just started as an Assistant Professor of Ceramics at the University of North Texas. I work create lattice forms of clay to create my artwork. Slip casting and mold making in ceramics is my specialty; I’m proud of the school in part of because we are creating connections between departments by encouraging students to work interdisciplinary, and also we have a developed an excellent fabrication lab (3D printing, laser engraving, water jet cutting) to serve all the departments of the school. I believe through new technology we can create a new vision of the future of how what we want art and design to look like.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see the field of ceramic art becoming more interdisciplinary; meaning incorporating different types of mixed media and also being produced in different ways, such as 3D printing. I think digital tools change the way we live but also the way we make things, not just in the field of ceramic art, but in all types of cultural production, from posting things on Instagram to writing music, designing a product, or creating any type of artwork.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elizaau.com
- Email: Eliza.Au@unt.edu
- Instagram: eliza_au
Image Credit:
Jiao Xi Tong
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