Yvonne Chen

I was born in Taiwan and grew up in Southern California where I received a BS in Biology from U C Irvine (go Anteaters!). From there I continued my studies in New York City and became an optometrist (ask me anything about optics!). Then I moved back to Southern California where I joined a practice in Beverly Hills and specialized in low vision before moving to Virginia in 2000 where my husband grew up.

Ceramics always fascinate me. In addition to the art form, there’s chemistry and other science involve in making the vessels. I started my pottery lesson in 2019, and when I’m sitting in front of the wheel I experience what I call my mental yoga. Since those early days, I’ve ventured into glaze making and crystalline firing. Pottery teaches me to be patient and to take chances because you never know what the result may be like at the end of the process.

In addition to pottery, I also weave baskets and I’m beginning to find ways to incorporate weaving into my ceramics.