Artist Spotlight: Emily B. Yang

About Emily

"I am a block print and ceramic artist, based in Brooklyn, New York. I hand-carve blocks and print them directly onto hand-built or slip-cast porcelain forms. The imagery I use is a mix of traditional Asian porcelain motifs and my own made-up symbols that reflect my personal experiences.

I first got my start in ceramics when I was in graduate school at Harvard studying design. I took classes at the ceramics program and started experimenting with ways to intersect printmaking and ceramics to create my own personal visual language."

Emily B. Yang Studio

Q: What inspires your work or keeps you excited in the studio? 

A: "I tell stories about my life, so my work requires a lot of personal reflection before I can even begin working with clay. Part of my studio practice, is in fact, journaling. The reflecting writing inspires new block print images, which I then arrange on paper to tell a story. After I have a paper template, I then start translating the story to ceramic surface."

Q: What is your favorite AMACO product and why?

A: "I absolutely love the AMACO printing inks! I was a Fulbright Scholar in India this year, and I even brought the printing inks with me to India in my luggage. As part of my Fulbright research, I observed traditional Indian block printing techniques, and experimented with replicating some of those principles on ceramic surface using the AMACO Inks. There are so many possibilities with them!"

Q: Any advice you'd give to someone just starting out with clay? 

A: "When you are starting out, enjoy experimenting with different materials and methods, but also take time to meet some new folks. The clay community is extremely collaborative and welcoming. Enjoy the friendships you'll inevitably make along the way. "

Q: Where can people find your work?
A: "I post my work and upcoming workshops and shows on Instagram at @studioemilybyang. I also have a newsletter you can subscribe to on my website www.emilybyang.com, and would love to connect!"