Small talks
Photo by Anthony Flores
Who
I, Frank Zhu, have been working with clay in Austin, Texas, for over 14 years, cultivating a deep connection to the material and its possibilities. As both a dedicated ceramic artist and an educator, I balance my personal studio practice with a passion for sharing the art of ceramics with others. My work explores the intersection of functionality and sculptural expression, using wheel-thrown forms as a foundation for innovative alterations, textures, and additions. My pieces challenge traditional notions of vessel-making, inviting viewers to engage with ceramics as both art and object.
In addition to my artistic practice, I am committed to fostering creativity and skill in others through teaching. I believe in the transformative power of clay as a medium for self-expression and discovery, and I strive to inspire my students to push boundaries while honoring the rich history of ceramics. My work reflects my dedication to craftsmanship, experimentation, and the endless potential of clay as a medium for storytelling and connection.
Why
My work in ceramics is a dialogue between form and function, where the boundaries of traditional vessel-making are stretched to embrace sculptural expression. For over 14 years, I have been exploring the transformative potential of clay, using the wheel-thrown vessel as a starting point for creative experimentation. By altering, texturing, and adding to these forms, I create pieces that exist in the liminal space between utility and art.
The functional vessel provides a structure—a set of rules and constraints—that grounds my process. Yet, within these boundaries, I find endless possibilities for innovation. Cutting, reshaping, and attaching additional elements allow me to play with balance, movement, and three-dimensional composition. Textures and surface treatments further enhance the tactile and visual experience, inviting the viewer to engage with the piece on multiple levels.
My work is deeply rooted in the physicality of clay, a material that demands both precision and spontaneity. Each piece is a record of my hands’ interaction with the material, a testament to the tension between control and surrender. Through this process, I aim to create objects that are not only functional but also evocative, challenging the viewer to reconsider the role of ceramics in contemporary art and everyday life.
In my practice, I am guided by a belief that the vessel—a form as ancient as human civilization—can still surprise and inspire. By pushing its limits, I seek to honor its history while reimagining its future.
