We recently connected with Evie Chang and have shared our conversation below.

Evie, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

When I was in grad school I was head manager of a student-run pottery studio at my university. My friend and fellow pottery studio manager, Cezar, collaborated on a large sculpture we named “Big Buddy”. We started the sculpture in the spring and let it sit over the summer to dry, finally firing him together in the studio’s gas kiln in the fall. Cezar made him a beautiful wooden shrine to sit in, and now he graces our former studio as their kiln god. Students leave him little offerings, and I like to think he blesses them with successful art projects and good grades.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started selling ceramics while I was in graduate school. I studied video game design, but ceramics was my creative outlet. I made so many pieces it only made sense to start selling them. Though the extra income was appreciated, my desire was less to make money and more about getting my work out there and being recognized as an artist. I’m most proud of the following my work has gained and the support my audience has given my art. Throughout my ceramics journey, I’ve tried to inject a cute, whimsical feeling into my pieces, something I feel that mainstream “gallery” level work generally frowns upon.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think the biggest misconception is that creativity comes easily to artists. Creativity is, unfortunately, very hard work.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Seeing people use my work/love my work brings me the most joy. I love getting DM’s from people with pictures of my sculptures in their houses, mugs being used, or just telling me seeing my work makes them happy. My goal is to make work people love, so getting these messages makes me feel validated.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mudmonsterclayworks.com
• Instagram: @mudmonsterclayworks