Michele Quan

Michele Quan’s ceramics are rife with symbols and allusions, culled from Quan’s deep study into Buddhism, mythology, art, and the ideas of thinkers ranging from Shel Silverstein to Yoko Ono. Her wall hanging with layered discs is made from natural, soulful materials: clay fired in a gas kiln to 2350 degrees, hemp rope, and reclaimed driftwood, ensuring that each piece comes to its new home with its own unique story — a reflection of its maker, who has spent the last year reevaluating her practice. “As with a lot of people, this past year has forced me to take both the short, and long view of my work and life,” says Quan, who maintains studios in Brooklyn and in Upstate New York. “I’ve always embraced my shifting limitations and seen them as an integral part of what I make. It's corny, but it really is a journey. 2020 was like no other before, bringing on a whole new set of limitations defined largely by what I can’t do.” Rather than struggle against those constraints, Quan worked to move in concert with them: “To grow smaller,” she says. “Not shrink or downsize, but grow.” With that in mind, Quan shared her pared-down goals for her practice for the year to come: “Create good work, dig deep and enjoy the trees. Be a positive participant in my community and contribute to the health of our environment.”