Xiangying Lei (b.1996) is a current student at the Royal College of Art, specializing in Ceramics & Glass. She completed her undergraduate studies at UAL - Camberwell College of Art, focusing on Product and Furniture Design. Through her multidisciplinary practice encompassing ceramics, glass, wood, and fabric, Xiangying explores the boundless possibilities within ceramics by combining various materials and experimenting with morphological transformations.
Xiangying's creative process is often rooted in the materials themselves and the act of making. She deliberately avoids sketching out ideas beforehand, as she perceives art as a reflection of life where drafts and rehearsals do not exist. Much like a journey, one may know the destination but can never predict the events along the way. Surprises may abound, but challenges must be embraced. Just as clay must be shaped and fired at high temperatures to transform into exquisite porcelain, Xiangying views the production process as a series of repeated failures and subsequent bursts of new ideas. Her primary objective is to ensure that viewers derive joy and satisfaction from engaging with her work, thus embodying her original intention.
By embracing the inherent unpredictability of her practice, Xiangying invites audiences to embark on a journey of discovery, where they can appreciate the evolution and resilience of the creative process. Through her dedication and determination, she endeavors to create work that sparks delight, provokes thought, and resonates on a deeper level.
