Zhang Shuyou - Lotus Field Pottery Workshop Introduction
"Located in the southern part of Zhushan Township, near Xiaohuang Mountain, Chen Tan Lane is filled with lotus and water lily flowers, creating a serene paradise. Zhang Shuying is the owner of the Chen Tan Lotus Field Pottery Workshop. Zhang Shuying is a local from Zhushan Township in Nantou County, and he has a deep passion for painting. His spontaneous doodling ignited his creative journey. After navigating the innocence of childhood and the struggles of youth, he resolutely entered the realm of creation shortly after completing military service. ■ Devoting Himself to Painting and Sculpture Zhang Shuying's childhood in the rural fields provided rich inspiration for his creations, and his works often resonate with viewers, earning him numerous awards. Notably, in 1992, he held a solo exhibition of Western paintings at the Taichung Cultural Center, which was a significant encouragement for him at the age of thirty and led him onto a professional path of creation. Throughout his artistic journey, he engaged with both painting and sculpture. He believes that painting is a form of two-dimensional art, conveying expression in a flat space, while three-dimensional sculpture not only expresses deep emotions but also requires consideration of multiple angles and strong expressive power, giving artists greater freedom in their artistic expression. Zhang Shuying's sculptural works are highly praised, with notable pieces such as "Little People's Rhapsody" in 2003, "Scenes of Life" in 2004, and the "Shadow and Thought" series in 2008. ■ The Beauty of Imperfection and Authenticity Most of Zhang Shuying's works feature human figures, rendered in earthy tones of clay glaze or matte glaze that present an authentic, unpretentious texture. The unrefined traces left by bamboo knives reveal a sense of reality with capillaries and muscle lines, inadvertently showcasing the beauty of life's tragic imperfections. Zhang Shuying states, "This world is inherently imperfect, so let's leave some space in the works!" Amidst the tension between exaggeration and restraint lies a grand atmosphere, akin to the poignant narrative of Lu Xun's Ah Q in "Little People's Rhapsody," which continuously stirs the souls of those who appreciate it. This is the essence of Zhang Shuying's artistic success. The "Shadow and Thought" series directly reflects floating shadows upon the works, allowing for distinct readings between "consciousness" and "subconsciousness," where the relationship between people and their shadows is entangled in ambiguity. It conceals the unpredictable nature of humanity in the real world, blurring the lines of who the true protagonist of the work is, thereby highlighting the diversification of Zhang Shuying's artistic philosophy. ■ Skillful Landscape Design and Sharing Friendship It’s hard to imagine that Zhang Shuying, whose creations are so sharp and profound, retains the simple personality of a rural individual. He enjoys landscape design, and the surroundings of the Lotus Field Pottery Workshop are all designed by him. The area encircling his ancestral home includes approximately two hectares of land, featuring lotus fields, lily ponds, and ecological pools, along with wooden walkways, small bridges, and pavilions, resembling a paradise on earth. To foster friendships with like-minded individuals, the workshop, originally intended for work, has transformed into a beautiful garden café. Its charming atmosphere frequently attracts numerous visitors; however, to avoid disruptions during his creative time, it is only open to the public on weekends. Zhang Shuying is passionate about promoting pottery art, and during public pottery demonstration events and at the Lotus Field Pottery Workshop, one can witness his creations live."
