Statement

My artistic practice considers the intersections of race, culture, and adoption as I reconnect with my Chinese culture. Growing up as a transracial adoptee in the USA, I found moments of reconnection during significant events such as Lunar New Year celebrations, when Chinese cuisine was served. I actively pursue those moments of connection through my ceramic work, while reconciling my Chinese identity with my childhood in rural America. The works’ surfaces are inspired by historical Chinese wares, with particular interest in the legacy of Jingdezhen. While the pieces' forms and profiles are more exploratively influenced by my Western training. I aspire to create a balanced vessel that is representative of my layered cultural identity. My pottery is centered around communal experiences that hope to foster connection. Whether through Gongfu tea preparations, leisurely afternoon tea, or the place settings at the table, my work serves as a catalyst for fostering connections and sparking meaningful conversations. 

Bio

GH Wood is currently a post-baccalaureate student in Ceramics at Indiana University Southeast (IUS), having joined the program in the fall of 2022. His artistic practice revolves around atmospherically fired utilitarian wares. Recently, GH has been moving towards a more personal story of reconnecting with his Chinese culture. 

GH took his first ceramics course in 2018 and has been engaging with the medium ever since. He continued his education at St. Olaf College, graduating in 2021 with a B.A. in Chemistry and Studio Art. He was a recipient of the Fifth-year Emerging Artist residency at St. Olaf College for the subsequent year. Alongside his studio practice, GH also took on the role of the Studio Art Technician for ceramics during his residency.