By Philo Yunrui Wang
Ceramic artist and entrepreneur Hedy Yang delivered a presentation at Yokum Hall, room 205, Sept. 26, as the first artist featured in SUNY Plattsburgh’s Visual Artist Series in the fall semester.
“Every single photo on my phone was of sunsets, clouds and the sky. Each piece embodies an important memory from that moment,” Yang said.
Much of Hedy Yang’s current work is inspired by the time she spent in the natural beauty of the mountains and the serene skies in the Adirondacks. She incorporates these visuals into her work, creating ceramic pottery with ethereal glazes that reflect the vibrant colors of sunrises and sunsets.
Organized by the faculty and students and funded by the Student Association through the Campus Arts Council, the Visual Artist Series aims to bring seven to nine artists from a wide variety of mediums to campus each year. It offers public lectures, workshops and demonstrations.
With her heartfelt storytelling and numerous glimpses of her works flashing by, Yang opened the series by sharing her ceramic journey, deep connection to nature and the vital role of entrepreneurship in the arts.
FROM BUNNY TAIL TO PROFESSIONAL ARTIST
Born in Vancouver, Canada, to Chinese immigrant parents, Yang grew up in a household where creativity was valued but not viewed as a viable career. Both of her parents were talented painters, though they pursued more traditional careers.
“My dad is an automotive engineer, but he’s also a watercolor painter,” Yang shared. “My mom’s a teacher, but she paints as well. So in my head, I always thought art was just a hobby.”
As a child, Yang exhibited entrepreneurial flair. She recalled collecting bunny tail weeds from a pond near her house, dyeing them and selling them to her neighbors for a quarter apiece.
“Now, people sell those for a lot of money, and I feel like I kind of missed out,” she joked.
Yang’s early love for crafts laid the foundation for her eventual decision to pursue art seriously.
MEETING CERAMICS
Yang’s artistic journey took a pivotal turn when she enrolled in a ceramics class to fulfill a high school requirement.
“I made one pot and was just obsessed. After that, I was the troubled kid always skipping class to make more pots,” Yang said.
Yang initially pursued a degree at the University of Michigan. Despite her growing passion for ceramics, she struggled with the program’s focus on conceptual art over technique. Feeling disconnected from the curriculum, she made the difficult decision to drop out.
“I wasn’t sure if it was a reckless, irresponsible move or something that would pay off later. Now, in hindsight, I do think it was for the best,” Yang said.
INSPIRATION FROM NATURE: SUNSETS AND CLOUDS
Much of Yang’s current work is inspired by the time she spent in the Adirondacks during an art residency from 2018 to 2020. The natural beauty of the mountains and the serene sunsets profoundly influenced her creative direction.
Her time in the Adirondacks allowed her to experiment freely, focusing on exploration rather than producing marketable art.
“I wanted to make things for the sake of making things,” she said.
This period also introduced her to atmospheric firing techniques like wood and soda kilns, which she embraced during her residency.
THE INTERSECTION OF ART AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Yang’s presentation also delved into the entrepreneurial aspects of being a full-time artist. After experiencing financial struggles during her residency and the subsequent COVID-19 lockdown, Yang realized the importance of pricing her work appropriately to reflect its value.
When students asked about the price of one of the mugs “Currently, they are $350,” Yang said.
“It’s scary to increase prices, but my business mentor advised me to charge what my work is worth. You have to account for the time and skill you’ve built up over the years.”
Though initially daunting, this decision helped her create a sustainable career.
“I can only physically make so many pieces in a day, so I needed to increase my prices,” she said.
Yang now works full-time out of her private studio in Detroit and has exhibited her ceramics both nationally and internationally. Her work has been featured in major galleries, including Charlie Cummings Gallery and Louise Buell Gallery, and even sold at high-end retailers like Nordstrom.
Yang also credits her background in entrepreneurship, gained during her studies at Michigan State University, with helping her navigate the business side of her career.
“I learned about writing business plans, applying for funding and setting up a limited liability company. It was invaluable,” Yang emphasized.
THE VISUAL ARTIST SERIES CONTINUES
Yang’s presentation provided a fascinating glimpse into the life of a full-time artist who has successfully merged creativity with entrepreneurship. The next event in the series will feature Melissa Schulenberg, artist and printmaker, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in Yokum 205.
As SUNY Plattsburgh’s Visual Artist Series continues, students can look forward to hearing from more diverse artists across a variety of mediums, all bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to campus.
For more information about SUNY Plattsburgh’s Visual Artist Series, please visit
https://www.plattsburgh.edu/plattslife/arts/visual-artist-series.html
