Ceramic creation not only embodies the techniques and concepts of the artist but also delicately captures the traces of time and labor embedded in the making process. Every stage of ceramic art, from the selection and preparation of raw clay to shaping, drying, glazing, and firing, carries the accumulated experience and wisdom of the creator. In this sense, ceramic art becomes a tangible expression of time's imprints. The theme of this exhibition, Time’s Imprints, reflects my profound exploration of ceramics over the past five years. The value of ceramics extends beyond its functional utility, serving as a cultural vessel and a chronicle of time. In the contemporary context, ceramics have further evolved into a significant medium for artistic creation. By integrating traditional ceramic craftsmanship with creative concepts and thought, I seek to present ceramics as a diverse and richly expressive art form.

  The forms of all things in nature result from long-term evolutionary processes, during which the creative force of nature is constantly manifested. For the artist, however, the creation of artwork expresses a unique perspective that reveals a keen observation of the surrounding environment, conveying reverence for nature through artistic means. The fascination of art lies in the fact that, despite its insignificance in the vast history of the Earth, it holds infinite possibilities within the brief span of an individual life. Through continuous exploration and innovation, the artist seeks to attain personal freedom of spirit and the realm of spontaneous expression in creation. Each work becomes a process of self-evolution, allowing the artist to convey the insights and emotions encountered in life.

  From the early days of high school, through my journey of studying and creating art in the United States, and later working in art museums and teaching in higher education, I have reflected on the tumultuous path of over thirty years in the field of art. This reflection has deepened my sensitivity to the passage of time and sharpened my awareness of personal transformation and the developmental trajectory of my work. One key reason for my fascination with clay is its warm texture and distinctive scent, which evoke vivid memories of my childhood in the rural fields of Changhua, Taiwan. That sense of familiarity and nostalgia, especially the earthy smell of soil mingled with decaying leafy vegetables, remains indelibly etched in my memory. Although I no longer reside in the farmlands of Changhua, the unique fragrance of those early experiences remains vivid. This formative connection with the earth has fostered my deep affinity for clay, making it my primary creative medium. Beyond its scent, clay's malleability allows it to efficiently capture textured impressions, while its transformation through drying and firing reveals the material's inherent temporality. Observing my surrounding environment, particularly in Taiwan—a maritime island nation with diverse geological features such as rocky shorelines and coastal reefs—I often find my gaze drawn to where the horizon meets the sea. In these moments, I profoundly sense the flow of time. Time signifies change, yet it is relative; compared to the slow formation of coastal landscapes, human life appears fleeting and transient. From the 2014 solo exhibition A Journey of the Soul, the 2018 solo exhibition Unique Views, the 2019 solo exhibition Constructing Narratives, to the 2022 solo exhibition Inner Vision, my creative practice has consistently demonstrated a subtle yet keen observation of the transformations of time as it weaves through people, events, and objects. Through the traces inherent in ceramics, I have sought to convey an emotionally resonant artistic vision and perspective.

  Building on the conceptual foundation of the 2022 exhibition Inner Vision, my creative approach continues to navigate the interplay between abstraction and figuration, revealing a unique fusion of subjective spirit and the objective material world. Using ceramics as the primary medium, I emphasize the process and traces of shaping and crafting "objects." Inspired by Descartes' Cogito, ergo sum (I think, therefore I am), this practice not only serves as a profound means of self-awareness and expression but also guides the thematic direction of the current exhibition, Time’s Imprints. Adopting a material-centric perspective, I highlight the inherent characteristics of ceramics, examining its historical and cultural evolution within the framework of the temporal continuum. The works integrate the trajectory of technological and craft advancements, from innovations in kiln-firing techniques to the industrialization of the modern technological era. Furthermore, this exploration extends to incorporating AI and digital technology into the creative process, probing how these advancements influence artistic forms and expand creative possibilities. Throughout the divergent explorations, conceptual phases, and convergent production steps, ceramics transform from malleable clay to a hardened yet fragile form through heat treatment. Each stage of this transformation reflects the impact of external forces over time, with visible distinctions between the sequential phases of the process. This temporal journey, embedded within the material and its making, becomes a discernible narrative of change and evolution that is tangible and deeply symbolic.

  The solo exhibition Time’s Imprints: Ceramic Art by Shih Fu-Chi centers on the core concept, "I labor, therefore I perceive the passage of time." The exhibition explores three major themes: "The Visualization of Time's Imprints," "Time Within Natural Textures," and " The Flow of Lines and Time." In terms of form, the works express visualized traces of time through natural stone impressions and clay-strip linear compositions.

  The exhibition features 34 works, including 16 pieces from the 78209 Mining Area Series and 18 from the Line Composition Series. Through these creations, I aim to interpret the passage of time and the material traces it leaves behind and to reflect on my creative journey. Simultaneously, I hope to inspire viewers to reflect on their lives and relationships with the environment.