Professional Practices Art399

Author/Artist Name

Bronwen K. Chun-MingFollow

Files

Academic Level at Time of Creation

Junior

Date of Creation

Fall 12-5-2025

Artist Statement

I work in oil paint, as well as clay. These mediums allow for expressive and textured application of medium. My love for ceramic work started in a 6th grade ceramics class and has continued to grow during my time at Murray State. Clay as a medium lends itself to the themes of my work, human and bodily experiences. Clay keeps a record of every touch and mark, creating a deeper connection between myself, the work, and viewer. My ceramic work is handbuilt and intentionally related to the figure/body. Finished pieces are rarely glazed and are instead treated with oxide or salt washes to keep the integrity of the touched surface. Glazed pieces are done in thin, sculptural glazes, adding texture to the surface while still preserving details on the surface of the clay.

Oil painting was introduced to my practice until my time at Murray State. Oil Paint is a rich and expressive tool in creating works of the figure. Much of my stylistic and technical process is drawn from the baroque period, inspired by bold lighting, expressive and dynamic compositions, and intense emotion. I have recently started exploring techniques in grisaille and impasto to achieve dramatic and painterly qualities within my work.

In both ceramics and painting, I explore conversations of human emotions and bodily experiences. Creating works that deal with bodily representations of experiences and feelings allows for a personal connection between the work and the viewer, unique to each individual. Influences for my work come from a wide variety of media, both visual and otherwise. A large influence on the form of bodies come from stage performers, including dancers, theatre productions, and singers. Non-visual influence often comes from my own bodily and emotional experiences, as well as music and books.

While at Murray State, I have had the pleasure of meeting Sunkoo Yuh and watching his process in ceramic sculpture building. His technique of building large, self supporting structures and sketch-like approach to the human figure have impacted my own process, inspiring a looser approach to the figure. Loie Hallowell’s approach to her own bodily experiences and expression of her lived experiences in her work has been a driving force into my own exploration of similar topics. In my continuing work I strive to connect with my audience through addressing shared experiences and feelings, creating a space for connection and reflection.

Advisor/Mentor

Lu Colby

Description

I have been exploring topics of the body and human experiences in my work, at present most of my work has been an exploration of mediums and stylistic choices. As I am getting ready to be a senior and create my BFA exhibition my work has taken on a more raw, dynamic form, with an emphasis on expression and texture in my pieces. I use oil and ceramics to create dynamic compositions and expression in my work.

Photo Credit

Bronwen Chun-Ming

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Chun-Ming, Bronwen K., "Professional Practices Art399" (2025). Professional Practices (ART 399). 190.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/art399/190