Meeting with Artists - Taiwanese Modern Ceramic Sculpture Masters - Yang Yuan-Tai

Text and photos by Chen Chi-Hsiang

"Art is the true presentation of life."

Yang Yuan-Tai (born 1939) is a master of modern ceramic sculpture, an artist I admire. He has a deep emotional connection to the land and nature, embodying local spirit. His work revolves around nature and daily life, aiming to explore the essence of existence. The sculptor insists: "Art is the true presentation of life." His concise and pure modern works present a straightforward, rugged, and rustic natural style between natural imagery and mental images. Regarding his creative attitude and spirit, he says: "I have gradually realized the need to face clay and fire with rigorous, tolerant, and humble attitudes, treating them as work partners. By constantly paying attention to their dialogue and capturing every message, I aim to enrich my creative vocabulary. Upholding my individuality, I let the sculptural concepts and techniques I have nurtured flow naturally, demonstrating persistence in life through each piece." (Referencing article by Wang Pin-Hua: The Flow of Life - Yang Yuan-Tai Ceramic Sculpture Solo Exhibition Press Release)