Jingshan | Be with the things you like
“ Jingshan is Guo Ying's nickname. It is also the name of her pottery studio. Originally, this was an introduction to her pottery experience, but I think it is a bit special. It is also a person's memory of Dali and a sincere understanding of the origin of pottery, so I want to excerpt it and post it separately. She was worried that it was not good enough as a copywriting, so she asked me if I should embellish it a little? "No." I think the basis of good writing is to write sincerely about your inner feelings. Mixed writing skills
I think Jingshan can provide a good pottery experience , because I feel that in addition to teaching pottery techniques, she will also pass on her understanding of plants, soil, and painting to you, integrate it into pottery, and take it home. When she decided to do the pottery experience, she told me: I hope not only to teach children, but also to make adults interested in pottery making, and feel the beauty and fun of immersing themselves in it.
Her studio is located in a beautiful and spacious courtyard at the foot of Cangshan Mountain. There is a clear stream near the courtyard. You have to cross the stream and pass the waterfall pool to reach it. During the pottery making process, plants and soil are collected in the valley and used in the final pottery. This will be a very special, beautiful and unforgettable experience ."
-Jason
Be with the things you like
Text: Jingshan
Many years ago, I remember it was in 2009, when I first came to Dali. At that time, there were a few simple shops on Renmin Road. Walking up, there were car rental shops, ramen restaurants, and shoe repair shops with sewing machines at the door. It seemed that the shop owners did not care whether there were customers at the door or not. They just lived a simple and leisurely life at their own pace.
I walked to a crossroads and saw a canvas sign at the door of the store that said "Tushang Culture". Looking through the dark wooden window, the light in the room was dim. When I walked in, there was a short wooden table and a row of small wooden stools. A customer was kneading mud. Just like the feeling in this store, the boss sitting next to me in a homespun shirt and pants was also chatting freely. Then I sat down and kneaded slowly, and a pony appeared in my hand. There was no technique, the appearance was rough, and the shape was thick and rough. The boss suggested that I keep it in the store and send it to me after it was fired, but I inexplicably liked this unfired mud guy, so I wrapped it up and took it back to my home 3,000 kilometers away with me.
This is a clay vessel that has not been fired at 1200 degrees, but I really like it. I have moved many times over the years, and I no longer have many things with me. But this sturdy little guy is still with me. Over the past decade, because the clay has not been fired at high temperatures, the edges and corners of the pony have been scratched and dented. Looking at it, it seems like it has been recording the past ten years, experiencing the richness and variety of life with its owner. It is a recorder of time. Looking back now, it is really amazing.
After I gradually started to get in touch with ceramics, I prefer to combine paintings and ceramics that convey life information. I don't know anything about ceramics, but through it, I found a way to express and record. Although I don't have a deep foundation in traditional ceramics, hard practice can make me become proficient. On the other hand, it is also pleasant to have fewer constraints, constantly make various new attempts and explorations, and experience new ways of expression. Ceramics can really be expanded infinitely, and this is also its charm. For the owner (or author) who owns it for a short time, there should be some fragments of time and memories that they have shared with this object. Pleasant colors and patterns, or warm and simple shapes and feels, these will trigger some instant memories.
I think that pottery is like a camera, a craftsman who carefully records life. It is also a friend who does not need words and will accompany you for life.
Finally, I hope everyone can find those moments in their ordinary lives that they are willing to devote themselves to.
