ARTIST INFO

CLAY | Functional

Penland Affiliation | Penland Student 2016, Penland Winter Resident 2018, 2021, 2022, Penland Auction Mug 2022

Artist Bio | Born in Nanjing, China, Wei moved to the US in 1994 and has been living in Raleigh, NC since 1998. He first discovered NC ceramics around 2010 on a pottery tour to Seagrove, NC. Soon after that, he started taking foundation classes at local art centers in Raleigh and continued his ceramic studying with established potters. In 2019 Wei completed a 9-month apprenticeship with Marsha Owen Pottery, and became a studio potter working at his home studio in Raleigh.

Inspired by the Asian ceramic culture of his native region and the NC pottery tradition of his adopted home, Wei’s works strike a balance between artistry and functionality. He firmly believes that each aspect of a pot – shape and form, decoration, glaze, function – serves a purpose and contributes equally to the piece as a whole, no more and no less.

Artist Statement | I am a full-time software engineer during the day. I first discovered NC pottery on a pottery tour to Seagrove NC and fell in love with ceramics art. I started taking lessons from local art centers in Raleigh and became a studio potter in 2019. My work usually is wheel thrown. Almost all my pots are functional and intended for everyday use. With a focus on strong forms and simple decorations, I am trying to balance artistry and functionality.

Technical Information | I make my pottery works mostly at my home studio. They typically start on the potter’s wheel and are fired in medium or high-fire kilns. My pottery is fired at over 2000F so it is generally durable for everyday use. But follow the care instructions so they will last long for you to enjoy. All of Wei’s pottery is functional and intended for everyday use. His kitchenware uses food-safe glazes only and is microwave, dishwasher, and oven safe.