Yumi
My main muse is Mother Earth, particularly the breathtaking land throughout the Pacific Northwest coast on unceded Coast Salish land.
Inspiration comes from gratitude to Mother Earth and her offerings: scenic hikes, beachcombing, wildlife encounters, being in the garden, as well as the feeling of serenity, freedom, and recharging of the soul when ‘forest bathing’ (しんりんよく - shinrinyoku).
I enjoy incorporating elements of nature, and aim to evoke a little bit of magic in what I make either by design or chosen ingredients.
Studio Pottery
Often wheel thrown, relief carved.
Every piece is unique, I work with each “lump” of clay to give form to what it wants to be. Careful trimming and experimentative glazing brings each piece to life.
I had the opportunity to re-ignite my curiosity of working with clay, learning how to throw in 2022, and experiencing an incredibly inspiring day trip/pilgrimage to Mashiko, Japan in 2023. My first exciting raku firing experience took place in October 2024.
Most of my work is influenced via osmosis by traditional Japanese shapes, ancient Chinese floral motifs, and the beautiful elements of Mother Earth along the Pacific Northwest.
Thank you for visiting :)
Artist Bio
Yumi (she/her) was born in Vancouver, BC - a 2nd generation Hong Kong x Japanese Canadian. Her background is in classical piano performance and piano pedagogy (ARCT, B.Mus, B.Ed).
Upon diving deep within and exploring various creative endeavours over the years, she has found profound meaning in re-connecting to her heritage through art/craft, particularly through self-study + working with clay & plants.
Yumi enjoys creating tangible objects using her hands, telling non-verbal stories, & has a love for historical places + artifacts. In her spare time, she enjoys being immersed in nature, travelling & taking photographs. She currently resides on the island.
