About the Artist Wanying Liang: https://shop.wanyingliang.com/pages/about-the-artist
After seven months of intense physical labor, dust, and determination, I am quietly thrilled to announce that the renovation of my new ceramic studio in Pittsford, New York, is finally complete.
When we first began this project in May, we had to move my large-scale sculptures outside to clear the space. For seasons, they stood as silent, graceful sentinels in the yard, enduring wind, rain, summer sun, and the first winter frosts. Last month, a sudden drop below freezing caused some irreversible damage to a few of the pieces—a harsh lesson that left me feeling deeply guilty. But today, the space is warm, the doors are open, and they have finally been brought safely back indoors.
Building a studio is not just about erecting walls; it is about crafting a sanctuary that serves the mind, the body, and the clay. Here is a look inside the finished 1,100-square-foot space.
The Foundation and Framing: A Labor of Love
Transforming a raw structure into a professional, functioning ceramic workspace requires rigorous attention to the materials. Clay dust and water are relentless, so the foundation had to be perfect.
To ensure the floor could withstand heavy kilns, rolling carts, and daily mopping, we laid down 71 boxes of 12x24 Hartwell Ivory porcelain tiles. We set them meticulously using Keraflex white mortar and sealed the surface with an ivory Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA grout. It provides a bright, durable, and incredibly easy-to-clean foundation for the entire room.
Keeping expenses under control is vital when establishing a new studio space; you do not want to begin a creative journey carrying unnecessary financial burdens.
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Recycled Framing: We repurposed salvaged 2x4 lumber to frame out the east side of the studio, adhering strictly to building codes while drastically reducing costs.
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Finishing Touches: After insulating, hanging drywall, and sanding the joint compound smooth, we finished the ceiling edges with custom 2.5-inch trim cut from 5mm plywood panels.
Studio Zones: Organizing the Creative Process
We tore down several of the original partitions to create a flexible, open-concept layout, dividing the 1,100 square feet into distinct zones separated by large wooden shelving racks.
The Showroom and Sculpting Zone The front of the studio serves as a gallery space. My large sculptures stand upright against the walls near my kiln, illuminated by overhead lighting that gives the area a distinct showroom atmosphere. In the center, I have arranged three main tables: two dedicated solely to working with wet clay, and a third kept clean for sketching, reading, and finding inspiration.
The East Side: Storage and Glazing We transformed the last partition on the east side into a dedicated storage and glazing area.
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The U-Shape Rack: Instead of building a second-story loft for packing materials as originally planned, we opted to build a highly accessible, heavy-duty U-shaped shelving unit. It integrates seamlessly with the new walls and holds all of our shipping supplies.
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The Glazing Bay: A small, naturally separated nook is reserved entirely for glazing. I plan to move a professional glaze sprayer into this area soon, while the flanking shelves hold my raw ceramic materials and bisque-fired pieces waiting for the kiln.
The West Side: Throwing and Clay Storage The northwest corner is the heart of production. This is where I store my raw clay bodies, set against beautiful green wooden cabinets I acquired from a local thrift store.
For my wheel-throwing practice, we were fortunate enough to acquire several second-hand Shimpo VL Whisper pottery wheels at a local auction. I kept the best ones for my daily use and will be selling the rest. They are incredibly quiet, responsive machines that fit perfectly into the workflow of this new space.
A New Beginning
Now that the test tiles are hung and the tools are put away, the studio is genuinely finished.
Over the last few days, alongside the immense joy of completion, I have also felt a strange sense of hesitation. I am no longer rushing to work on construction every morning; my pace has instinctively slowed down. There is a natural unease that comes with endings and new beginnings.
Yet, I find comfort in knowing that starting each day by wedging clay will reunite my body, mind, and spirit right here. This space, built entirely with our own hands, will now serve the hands that work within it. It will serve the functional vessels and large sculptures born from the porcelain and stoneware, and it will serve you—my audience and collectors.
With a mix of quiet determination and gentleness, I am ready to continue my ceramic journey here.
Watch the full 7-month renovation journey and studio tour on YouTube: [Link to Video]
Available Works: A curated selection of successful pieces is available on Wanying Liang Ceramic Art Store: Shop.Wanyingliang.com