Kimlan Phan, M1, Class of 2027
I’ve been working with clay since high school where I primarily focused on hand building and sculptures. After starting undergrad at UMKC, I continued ceramics at the KC Clay Guild, a local nonprofit pottery studio. There, I forced myself to learn throwing on the wheel, which has now become my main practice. During the pandemic, when I was cut off from the studio and this outlet I had been relying on, I was in a very dark place mentally. After a lot of coaxing from friends and family, I returned to ceramic work, and during my gap year, I spent almost all of my free time working with clay. In the process, I found a community among my fellow potters. The Fancy Donut was born from a series of challenges I created for myself.
I began throwing various forms inspired by other artists and adding carvings in the style of Baroque designs. It is a practice of patience and many long hours of detailed work. However, it’s a very meditative and centering experience. Ceramics is my safe place where I am able to heal and find something to work towards.
Med Intima 