Chiayi-Born Artist Lin Yan-Lin Holds Homecoming Exhibition, Infusing Life's Insights into Pottery

(CNA, Chiayi County, June 7, by reporter Tsai Chih-ming) Artist Lin Yan-Lin, born in Zhuzaki, Chiayi, recently returned to his hometown to exhibit his wood-fired ceramic art. Under the theme "The Unfinished Beauty," he incorporates into his pottery the life view that "only by learning to accept all the good and bad in life can one complete one's own life and achieve a state of freedom."

The "Unfinished Beauty" exhibition is currently on display at the Zhuzaki Culture and Arts Foundation. The foundation's chairman, Ho Tzu-fan, told a CNA reporter that Lin Yan-Lin is a Taipei-based ceramic artist from Zhuzaki township who has cultivated his craft in the north for many years, earning fame and a large following of collectors. His wood-fired creations have a strong personal style, specializing in the two major fields of "wood-fired Shino and wood-fired iron glaze."

Ho Tzu-fan pointed out that the natural fusion of glaze and ash in Lin's work creates a rich sense of layering, his tea-ware forms are simple yet practical, and his mastery of firing temperature and atmosphere is excellent, making every piece a rare masterpiece.

Lin Yan-Lin says that pottery has existed for almost as long as human history, and he believes that the transmission of "spirituality" is more important than technical discourse.

Lin recounted his creative journey: he went north to Tamsui at 18, then experienced a period of overworking himself. Like a wild chrysanthemum striving towards the sky, he eventually burned out. At 38, realizing he could not achieve conventional success, he acknowledged his true inner desires and devoted himself to pottery, creating the "Chrysanthemum-printed Tea Bowl."

Furthermore, for the past 20 years, he often dreamed of endlessly climbing a dark mountain, his legs sore and weak, making every step a struggle. He believes everyone has an insurmountable mountain or an unresolvable knot. Only by acceptance can one "weave the past into form and bestow beauty upon objects," which led him to create the "Form and Endowment Tea Bowl" at the age of 40.

Ho Tzu-fan said that after graduating from high school, Lin Yan-Lin left Zhuzaki for Tamsui, where he remains today. However, his self-introduction begins with "Born in Chiayi in 1976, graduated from Chiayi Senior High School and Tamkang University," revealing his attachment to his hometown. Inviting him back for an exhibition not only provides an opportunity for locals to appreciate and collect his work but also attracts many local ceramic artists for exchange and mutual learning. The exhibition runs until June 30. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150607