Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiki Liu.
Hi Kiki, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It’s great to be here, thanks for having me! My story really started under my family’s influence. The concept of creating with my hands has always been innate to me, rooted in childhood memories of learning to weave fishing nets with my grandfather and discovering the art of sewing from my grandmother on old machines. It sparked my interest in working with materials and using my hands from an early age.
Later on, as I began exploring different materials, clay deeply resonated with me. The transformative process and versatility of shaping an idea into tangible forms, whether functional or purely aesthetic, bring me joy within this practice.
When I first entered high school in the States, I was immediately drawn to wheel-throwing, fascinated by the symmetrical vessels achievable through the practice of my hands and with a simple machine. At that time, my aesthetic was heavily influenced by my Eastern upbringing, which emphasized intricate craftsmanship, leading me to focus on refining my techniques with clay.
Transitioning into college to pursue a BFA, I encountered Western perspectives that highlighted the significance of conceptual depth alongside technical proficiency. This broader understanding reshaped my approach, encouraging a deeper exploration of the physical and psychological influences of working with clay. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I honed both my conceptual framework and technical skills, delving further into the expressive potential of clay.
As a studio-based ceramics artist during graduate school, I began incorporating my thoughts and feelings into my series of works. I believe that creative exploration extends beyond the material realm to encompass introspection and self-discovery. By engaging with the external world and delving into our inner selves, we uncover new inspirations and perspectives that fuel artistic innovation as we create with our hands.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have definitely been challenges along the way as an artist. Firstly, there’s the constant challenge of building, rebuilding, and strengthening the framework of my art practice. Additionally, there are the physical demands inherent in working with material-based art, particularly with clay. Whether it’s wheel throwing, hand building, or slip casting, each step involves physical labor. At one point, the clay order I received started to cause excessive pressure on my wrists during wheel throwing, prompting a shift to hand building. This experience inspired me to create artwork that explores the relationship between physical strength and my artistic practice, illustrating how they affect each other and cannot be separated.
Moreover, being an artist entails more than just creating artwork. Initially focused on perfecting my craft, I later realized the importance of navigating the business aspects of being an artist in the modern world. This includes conceptualizing ideas, sourcing funding for materials, executing the creative process, and finally, sharing the finished work with the world. I’m still in the process of navigating through all of those. I feel lucky and grateful that my family has always supported me along the way, and I’ve always been able to find and become part of the local artist community wherever I’ve moved. Nevertheless, I recognize the challenges faced by independent artists, particularly in navigating the complexities of both artistic creation and business management.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an interdisciplinary studio artist who primarily works with clay and fiber, alongside photography and design. Additionally, I teach at local ceramics studios. My research focuses on how my art practice and daily life influence and shape each other. I am particularly interested in exploring shapes and colors, aiming to express the tranquility and peacefulness inherent in the act of creation, and sharing these emotions with viewers through my work.
Specializing in making vessels that abstractly mimic human curvatures, I apply various surface decoration techniques to enhance my concepts. My work often evokes associations with the organic textures and silhouettes of human bodies. I take pride in the interconnectedness of my art and personal philosophy, striving to infuse the energy of life into my creations.
Consistency in branding myself as an artist is fun and essential to me. I enjoy photographing my artwork, editing and designing to reflect my aesthetic, and presenting the finished pieces to the public. For me, the final step in completing my creative work occurs after the photography has been edited, designed, and published. Ultimately, my artistic journey is a continuous exploration of the intersection between creativity, personal philosophy, and the shared human experience.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I have enjoyed the beautiful views, food, and people of LA. But most of all, I’ve appreciated the abundance of supportive communities within easy reach. Moving to LA introduced me to the wonder of having a supportive Asian artist community, something I had never experienced before. Having lived and worked in the Midwest previously, I hadn’t realized how much I had been missing until I met these wonderful people. Their warm welcome made me feel at home as soon as I arrived. With plenty of resources and opportunities, LA feels like heaven for creatives.
One thing I’m still adjusting to is the traffic. I was used to knowing exactly how long it would take me from point A to point B, but now it requires extra planning and time management skills, haha. However, I’ve been enjoying the time to myself and catching up on podcasts while on the road, so it’s not too bad.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kikiwip.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiki_wip/
- Other: [email protected]
