Naming my Cultural Fusion

I am excited to share an important and personal update with you all. As many of you know, my recent works have become deeply inspired by my cultural heritage and the blending of Chinese and Western influences. Today, I am taking a step further to honour this fusion by officially incorporating my Chinese maiden name into my artist’s name. 

‘Ip’ (葉) means ‘leaf’ in Chinese and this change is more than just a name—it's a celebration of my identity and the unique fusion of cultures that makes me who I am.

As a Aotearoa New Zealand-born Chinese, I've always navigated the in-between space of my dual identity. While my Western upbringing shaped much of who I am, my Chinese roots are a significant part of my story. Growing up, I learnt about the rich cultural tapestry of Chinese traditions from my family, while also embracing the vibrant, diverse world of Western culture. For a time, I lived in Hong Kong, longing to reconnect with my heritage, even though my Western influences made it challenging to fully find my place. My ceramics have become a reflection of this blend of identities, and I wanted my name to represent the journey of weaving these cultures together, 

The ‘leaf’ symbolises growth, renewal, and the continuous journey of life. Thank you for joining me on my journey of creativity and self-expression. I am excited to embark on this new chapter with you. 

“B31” Chawan 茶碗 | 8.5cm x 9cm