Fule Ceramic Residency, FLICAM Fu Qiang China is an ancient ceramic country with a profound history and far-reaching influence. Because of the differences in concept we have to admit the achievements through inherited tradition, and the breakthrough of reconsidering materials, craftsmanship, technique and artistic concept as a creator. We respect our own culture and history, and at the same time, advocate the originality of art. The fundamental spirit of art is creation, the artists°Ø self challenge, doubt and breakthrough. It is a necessity for contemporary Chinese ceramic art to build an exchange platform so as to develop and create more artistic forms and to accept the cultures and arts of different countries and regions, which is also the original intention for us to set up Fule Ceramic Residency. Fule Ceramic Residency is located in a remote county in Northwest China. Fuping, an agricultural country with large population, still retains its unique agricultural life pattern. Its rich clay resources and splendid several-hundred-year ceramic history hidden in the farm field encourages us. Far from the impact of the rapidly-developing urban fashionable culture, Fuping continues its civilization and tranquility with the traditional craftsmanship and folk custom. Large-scale company of building materials provides strong support and multiple choices for artists to come and create. In the meantime, its unique way of processing offers convenience for ceramist to create art works and shortcuts to realize their objectives. We pay great attention to the originality of the architectures where ceramic works are exhibited, and try to expand the influence of ceramics and its related topics, just like the ceramists inspiring and influencing each other when they are excited and enthusiastic in creation. We also put emphasis on researching the fundamentals of the ceramics, discussion and communication of the future direction of world ceramic art. It is obvious that Fule Ceramic Residency, pioneering in promoting the development of contemporary Chinese ceramics, has influenced and aroused the enthusiasm of the new generation of Chinese ceramists to create, thus becoming the practice and creation base of many art schools. Fule Ceramic Residency belongs to both the ceramic community and the general public, as ceramists°Ø creation affords opportunities for the general public to appreciate and learn about ceramic art, thus extending and expanding the spirit of art. In the age of globalization, we become closer with each other physically. As culture and art have their hidden mystery and attraction, the objective of setting up the camp is to render more opportunities for artists to learn about other cultures and more possibilities to show their concepts of creation. I believe the Residency program enriches creation experiences of ceramic artists and provides chances for them to exceed. Culture, one of the elements in artists°Ø creation, cannot represent their idea of creation, which might come from the reflection, observation, communication and comprehension of the artists; their tastes, potentials and styles; their inspiration and imagination. The integration of the above elements creates rich and multiple art works. It is believed that there exists inexhaustible creation spirit in ceramics, which includes ceramic artists' reflections on politics, culture, society and the development and existence of mankind. Fu Qiang |
