Zhang Shuyun - Lotus Field Pottery Workshop Introduction
Located in the southern part of Zhushan Township near Xiao Huang Mountain, Chengtan Lane is filled with lotus and water lily flowers, resembling a paradise on earth. Zhang Shuyu is the owner of the Chengtan Lotus Farm. Zhang Shuyu is a native child of Zhushan Township in Nantou County, who has a deep affection for painting. His casual doodles ignited his creative journey. After experiencing the innocence of childhood and the struggles of youth, he resolutely joined the ranks of creators shortly after finishing his military service. ■ Immersed in Painting and Sculpture Due to his childhood experiences in the fields, Zhang Shuyu drew rich creative inspiration. Each time he exhibited his works, they resonated with viewers, earning numerous awards. Particularly in 1992, he held a solo exhibition at the Taichung City Cultural Center with his Western paintings, which was a great encouragement for someone just thirty years old at the time, setting him on the path of professional creation. Throughout his artistic journey, he has engaged in both painting and sculpture. He believes that painting is a form of flat art that expresses in two dimensions, whereas three-dimensional sculpture also conveys the depths of one's soul and requires consideration of multiple perspectives in its structure. This demands a stronger expressive power of form from the creator and offers greater freedom of expression. His sculptural achievements are remarkable, with notable works including "Little People's Rhapsody" in 2003, "Life Scenes" in 2004, and the "Shadow. Reflection" series in 2008, all of which are represented in his portfolio. ■ The Beauty of Authenticity Embracing Imperfection Zhang Shuyu's works predominantly feature human figures, with colors rendered in earthy glazes or matte finishes that present an authentic yet unflashy texture. Without intentional embellishment, the marks left by bamboo knives exhibit a realistic sense of potential expansion with capillary pores and muscular lines, inadvertently revealing the beautiful flaws of life's sorrow. Zhang Shuyu states, "This world is inherently imperfect, so let's leave some space in the works!" Between exaggeration and restraint, there exists a tragic atmosphere. The imagery of "Little People's Rhapsody" evokes feelings deep within the viewers' souls, which is a testament to Zhang Shuyu's artistic success. Notably, in the "Shadow. Reflection" series, floating shadows are directly projected onto the works. With different readings of "consciousness" and "subconsciousness," the intricate relationship between people and shadows embodies the unpredictable changes of human nature in the real world, questioning who the true protagonist of the work is and further highlighting the diversity of Zhang Shuyu's artistic philosophy. ■ Skillful Scene Design and Sharing Friendship It is hard to imagine that the sharply creative Zhang Shuyu retains the simplicity of a rural person. He also enjoys landscape design, having created the surroundings of the Lotus Farm all by himself. Encircling the ancestral home lies around two acres of land filled with lotus fields, a water lily pond, and ecological ponds, complemented by wooden paths, small bridges, and pavilions, resembling a paradise. To meet likeminded friends, what was originally a studio transformed into a beautiful garden café, attracting numerous visitors with its charming atmosphere, though it is open only on weekends to avoid disrupting creative time. Zhang Shuyu expressed a passion for promoting pottery and can be seen demonstrating his craft during public pottery events at the Lotus Farm. (Text and images from the National Taiwan Craft Research Institute)
