Eric Chang on Finding Presence and Embracing Imperfection at Tao of Clay

For founder Josh Herman, ceramics has long been more than a medium. It’s a way to explore ideas, express ourselves, grow through making, and connect with one another. In this series, we introduce you to a member’s personal story, process, and inspirations so we can learn from each other and deepen our understanding of not only our clay practice, but the people who make up The Tao of Clay and the broader ceramics community. Because when we share our craft, we build more than beautiful forms. We build community.

 

Meet this month’s featured member: Eric Chang.

After spending his 30s in New York working in financial technology, Eric signed up for his first ceramics class in 2017 and was immediately hooked. Now back in San Diego and practicing again after a few gap years, he’s making gifts for the holidays, hiking his way through San Diego’s Top 100 Peaks, and looking to the handbuilders and sculptors in our studio for what comes next.

In this conversation, Eric shares why clay offered something a spreadsheet couldn’t, what he admires in the work of Kansai Noguchi, and the advice from a Japanese master that keeps him coming back when a piece isn’t working.

1. What first drew you towards working with clay and how long have you been practicing?

I spent my 30s living in New York and working in financial technology. Over time, I started to feel disconnected from work where the end result was essentially just numbers changing on a spreadsheet. I also felt like my creative side had been neglected after so many years of relying on my analytical mind.

That’s what drew me to ceramics. It combines technical skill and creativity to produce something tangible that can actually be held and used. It also requires singular focus and complete presence, which I find incredibly refreshing.

With that in mind, I signed up for my first class in 2017 and was immediately hooked. There have been some gap years when my priorities shifted, but I’m really glad to be practicing again, and especially grateful to be part of such an incredible studio and community at Tao of Clay.

2. What else do you do besides working with clay?

I’m slowly hiking my way through San Diego’s Top 100 Peaks. Since moving back to SD I’ve managed to cross off 20 peaks so far. To be honest, I thought I’d be farther along lol.

3. What are you currently working on right now?

It’s hard to believe the holidays are just around the corner, but I’m working hard to make sure I have enough pieces I’m proud to give as gifts to family and friends.

4. What’s a technique or style you’re currently obsessed with?

I’ve been a huge fan of Kansai Noguchi ever since I discovered his work at the start of my ceramics journey. I can only describe his aesthetic as somehow ornate yet restrained at the same time. It’s really pleasing, and I hope to bring some of that sensibility into my own decorative pieces.

5. Where are you finding inspiration lately? (books, places, people, music, etc.)

Lately, I’ve been really inspired by the handbuilders and sculpture artists at Tao of Clay. They’ve been producing some amazing pieces, and it’s made me want to take Josh’s organic sculpture class and explore a more organic approach to making. Especially learning to embrace and appreciate imperfection, rather than always striving for precision and symmetry.

6. Do you have a creative ritual or routine?

I think I’m still in the process of establishing my personal aesthetic, and I’m very much a novice when it comes to understanding an artist’s creative process: how to start, where ideas come from, and how they develop through the different stages of making. I don’t really have a formal creative ritual or routine yet, but it’s something I’d like to develop.

7. What keeps you coming back, even when something isn’t working?

I think it’s knowing that there can always be an ugly middle phase in any project and learning to be comfortable with that.

I once watched a YouTube video of an old VHS recording of a Japanese master doing a throwing demonstration. At one point, the pot started to wobble and, to the audience’s consternation, he casually stopped the wheel and wired the pot off. When asked why he didn’t try to fix the form, he simply replied, “Professionals start over, beginners never give up.”

It was such a small exchange, but it’s stayed with me. I try to follow that mindset in my own ceramics practice with mixed success :)

Quick Fire Questions!

Coffee, tea, or ??? in the studio

After Neal Gupta’s coffee event: cold brew + yuzu juice + simple syrup, or nothing at all.

Favorite tool you can’t live without

My shammy cloth. Finishing a rim is such a small effort, but it can make a huge difference.

Music, podcast, or silence while working?

The soundtrack of the studio.

One word that describes your current work

Intentional.

What are you excited to explore next?

Having fun with decorative pieces and exploring sculpture.

Thank you for joining us, Eric!

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