My Story

Hi everyone, this is Monica. My journey with clay began with a dream - to create something that truly expresses myself. I still remember the feeling when I touched the clay the first time. I was 12 years old - the clay talked to me immediately. Pottery, for me, is more than just an art. There are definitely technical aspects to it. But it is more like a “Do”, if I dare to borrow the concept of martial arts. “Do” is Japanese transliteration of Chinese “Tao”, meaning a way of life or the path to follow for a fulfilling life. Pottery-Do. It is a Do that the artist is the one whose inner feeling guides their hands and allows them to create a piece of great work. It is a Do of love and peace. The process of changing clay into ceramics is a process of meditation, a journey to find serenity and balance. In a world filled with mass-produced goods, I yearned for a way to leave unique mark, to infuse my passion into every piece I crafted. I hope when my work is in people's hand, it is more than a piece of object - it is a vessel of love that carries on.

About the logo

When I designed the logo of Hanzen pottery, I wanted it to mean something special. It is a modification of my last name in an ancient Chinese writing. A pot is added on the left and a meditated person is infused into the right. What’s exactly what pottery means to me. 

I am very grateful that you stopped here and took your time to read my stories with clay. I hope you would find something you like here and it would bring warmth to your heart. 

Heart to heart, 

Monica