Episode 67: Functional Beauty - The Soul of Handmade Objects with Connie & Yau from One Cup Studio
Hello and welcome to the Thoughtful Realtor Podcast.
I'm Connie Chung and I'm one of the founders of Willowmar Real Estate, and this is a podcast about all things related to real estate, lifestyle, the market, and what it's like to be a realtor and running a business in California. And today I'm so excited because I'm here with Yau Tong, the owner and artist behind One Cup Studio here in Sierra Madre, California.
Hi. Hello, my name is Yau and welcome. Thank you for having me, and you're always welcome to be here. Nice to meet you, Connie.
So nice to have you on the podcast. And Yau, to give our listeners a chance who may not be seeing our YouTube, but know that you can watch this on YouTube and see the beautiful studio.
I remember the first time I walked in here, I was blown away, because you've created such a warm space. I know your mom and dad have been really helpful in putting it together and also just the work that you've created and why I wanted to bring you on into the podcast is because one, I'm personally a lover of ceramics and home blown, homemade, and created goods, and so much of it I feel like helps to root a space and make it feel like home.
And for our clients, we actually gift a lot of ceramics as a way to help them create that space and have a conversation starter. It's usually maybe a big platter or a really beautiful vase, or even just having that cup of nice mug that just gives you a cozy feel. We are big fans of your work and I am excited to learn more about you and your journey.
Oh, thank you. Yeah.
Well, tell us how did your interest in ceramics begin?
It was all by accident. I first started when I was in high school in Temple City. I was trying to do painting. I was trying to take a painting class because I was thinking no one's gonna have a kiln or a wheel at home, but if I have a pen, I can join anytime.
But then luckily the class was full, so the counselor told me, maybe you should try ceramics. And then that's how I ended up doing it. So it was all accident!
Yeah. At 15 you knew what a kiln was?
Yes. Because I think in Temple City High School, we have very good education on all the art platforms and since we were there, we just visited a lot of different classrooms and slowly, little by little we started to learn what a kiln is for. And all the places and all the other little things, we just start to learn since we were in high school.
That's a really good tidbit too for folks who are exploring homebuying in Temple City. Having grown up in the neighborhood, it's incredible to hear of the arts program that they have at Temple City High.
Yeah. I think they have all different types of painting classes and I think now they even have the coding. We used to have a class that teaches how to cook and we have a lot of different things here in Temple City.
I was a neighboring high school and ours was not as advanced, I don't think. And then how did you just fall in love immediately? Was it hard or did it just click for you?
I think little by little. When I was still in high school, I didn’t just get right into it. I first majored in graphic design at the beginning, but then little by little, I feel like ceramics kept on coming into my life. And I think maybe I should just give it a chance if I'll apply to college. If I make it in, then I'll change my major at the last minute.
And that happened and I went to California College of Art in San Francisco at the last minute, and that's how it just changed my whole journey and everything.
Wow. And tell me more because, both of us being Asian, I know especially at least for first generation Asian Americans, there's not a lot of encouragement to go into the arts, but I know your parents have been so supportive in your journey.
Has that always been the case?
Oh yes. It always, always happened. I'm always joking. I always say, oh, it's so good that I have two younger brothers, so my parents have a backup. But, just kidding. They're very supportive since the beginning and I feel like I'm the lucky one.
Because I know not many Asian parents are willing to let the kids start with art. But luckily my parents are one of them, so I always feel happy and lucky to do that.
Yeah, and you mentioned that your mom is from Taiwan. You grew up in Hong Kong. Was art in your daily life outside of school?
Not as strong, especially when I grew up in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a very fast city. Everyone walks so fast and even though now when I go back to Hong Kong as a visitor, I see everyone that walks so fast, and just immediately I start to walk fast too!
You pick up that city pace!
Yes. I have never been to New York but I think that's the same as New York culture, that in a city everyone starts to walk fast, but I think...
Even in San Francisco!
Yes. But I think sometimes I try to have everything balanced in my life. So even though a city is very fast, I always try to remind myself to slow down a little bit, because everyone's so fast. I like to be the opposite kind of thing. I like to play around with maybe if I do not walk so fast, maybe I’ll see a different view of things.
So that's how that's just me.
It's a good challenge because it's so easy to fall or adapt to your surroundings, but to hold true to yourself, especially the art of making ceramics, is a very slow process too.
Yes, it is. And I feel like every process of making is a conversation to myself and also to the user. I never really view myself as an artist. I think I'm more a craftsman or maybe a designer. I think the biggest difference is if you are an artist, you might not have to worry about what other people feel.
But as a ceramicist, I think it's a little different; as a potter at least because I think if I make a cup, it's not only for me, but also for other users. I always tell myself, I always tell other people that I only make 30% of my work. The other 30% is the kiln guard and the rest is the users. The users design how to use the cup.
Today when I make a piece, a cup. But when someone comes in, sometimes they tell me like, “oh, I don't use it as a cup, I use it as a pencil holder,” or something like that. You know, I found it fun and interesting because I know my work is not only used to what I view it should be. Maybe it can, has another possibility, and I think that's the best part of doing what I'm doing right now.
Yeah. Incredible. Walk us through your process, like even the mug that you're drinking out of. How do you approach it, your work?
For me, I think every time when I look at my work, I try to think about how it can be useful, their inspiration. I'm a person that gets tired with things very easily, as you can tell, like I always try to have different colors, different shapes, different things. And I think, going through all the making processes, I enjoy the time that I make different things and to create different stuff, and that'd always make me happy and excited.
Yeah. Do you have kind of an end vision of what you expect or want it to look like?
My parents ask me the same questions all the time and I tell them like, I feel like I have a special ability that when I make a cylinder— because every shape of pottery they always start with a cylinder, and through the cylinder, you might make a little curve to make the shape different— I always feel like I can see before I make the shape how it's gonna be. Maybe the curve should be underneath or on top.
From my first pottery teacher his name is Kim. We always call her Ms. Kim. She told me sometimes you have to talk to the clay. Sometimes maybe you want this to be a cup, but sometimes maybe the clay wants to be a bowl and it doesn't have to be a cup. I think it's the conversation between myself and the clay and that makes the piece different. Sometimes if I want to have a curve like that, maybe the piece wants to have an angle or like some other things. So I enjoy talking and building the conversation with the clay for it.
What does your process look like when you go into your studio? Do you make a handful of things? And what does the timing process look like? Because I think, especially me as an everyday user, I don't know how much labor goes into it and the timing too.
Yes. We have a lot of different ways in pottery. For me, I'm more like a potter.
I first get a bag of clay. We ratchet to a ball shape and then put it on the wheel through a cup, wait until it gets dry, and then we create all the glazes. We have our own recipe. Different potters have their own recipes, and we create all the glazes.
Each firing takes three days. So after the first firing, we apply the glazes on and wait until they get dried, and then we start the kiln, and then we fire for another three days. So it's a very long process, especially for me as I'm only a one person guy. So every time I have to wait until the kiln is fully packed before I can stop the kiln. So that takes a while.
How many items could you even fit into one firing?
A lot of people ask me that! Yes, but every time it's a little different, because sometimes we make a sake cup, for example, and that takes a smaller amount of space. So we can fire more of them, but sometimes if we fire larger vases, then that will take up more space and we fire less. So I would say maybe around 50-100 pieces each time. I don't have a large kiln.
Wow. Incredible. And then for you, curious, do you have your favorite pieces? I'm just looking around in your studio.
I would say no, because I treat all my cups the same personally, but I do have some cups or some things that I like to use every day.
For me, I like the one that has a darker color or cleaner shape, maybe because I have real, all my cups, like my cups are all very colorful as you can see, but after looking at them I think what I go for is the one that is more like no color.
More neutral.
Or like neutral? Yes.
And do you prefer more of the matte or the glazed?
Yau: I'm a person that prefers matte glaze more, but it really depends because some, I think it's a funny thing to say because... So glazes, glaze is like glass, so some more clear glazes or transparent glazes that you see there, the glazes contain more glass. That's why it makes it glossy and the one that is more matte because there's more clay and things inside, so it doesn't shine as much. That's the little things.
I think it's kind of these works of art. They're so incredible. They are great conversation starters and for people it just starts and creates intrigue. And I think what's beautiful about ceramics and your pottery, is that it's both beautiful and a work of art and practical and utilitarian.
You can use it for so many things. So that's such a great balance that as someone, I think growing up Asian too especially, just appreciating that you can make use of something and touch it with your hands as well.
Yes. I think it feels so very different. Yeah.
Very tactile. How did you get to a point where you went from this being something that was a passion and something you studied and really learned, and how did that turn into a business for you?
Well, I think the first, I would say it all started in our college, in California College of Art. Before we graduate, each person has their graduation show. And luckily enough, I made enough doing my show to start my own little small studios at home and I still remember, I used all the money to get two wheels and one kiln.
And my parents are very supportive, as I mentioned, and they allowed me to use their garage to start a home studio. And that's how I started.
And then for your home studio, is that something you would commit to full time?
Yes. I always work full time. I'm a person that if I get into one thing, I just go straight into it. I started full time right away and although I don't make a lot of money, I think in San Gabriel Valley and Temple City at the beginning, everyone here is so supportive to young artists, I realize that. Because when I look back, I still remember the beginning, my work are very, like, not good, but people are still willing to support young artists. I think that's the valuable things in between the community which is very important because not everyone starts professional here and there. But it's very important to have them to support us since we were young and to give us like, “oh, maybe I can do this, you know?” And because of them, I'm here.
Wow, that makes me so happy to hear, especially growing up in the neighborhood as well, to see so much community support. And I think that's what's incredible both in real estate and as a realtor and as a business owner, you really do help shape the community and you're part of the community.
Yes.
And I'd love to hear, I know you had your studio in Temple City and then you recently opened up a brick and mortar in Sierra Madre, and I know you've shared that the community support has been so great. Can you give me some examples?
Yeah. I still remember the first time. I mean Sierra Madre was around six, seven years ago. It was a rainy day, and then my parents and I just drove by. And inside the car when we looked out, we saw everyone was relaxing, holding a cup of coffee, and enjoying life. You don't see that elsewhere. So I told my parents like, “oh, maybe we should take a look in this little town and see how it goes.” And when we walk around and people all say hi to you and are very friendly. So I was telling myself if one day I start to have my own shop shop, it will be Sierra Madre so it took me a long time.
Yeah. Sierra Madre is so special. It's for those who may not know, it's a very quaint town rooted in a lot of history and I feel like having worked here and helped clients, there have been families who've been here for many, many generations. Yes. It has this old timey feel.
Yes, a very family gathering town.
You've got a few local coffee shops. Syndicate is one of my favorites.
Yes, and a very dog friendly town too.
A very dog friendly town.
I have a Shiba Inu, Shino, and he met lots of different friends here.
Everyone knows Shino.
Everyone knows him.
He's a celebrity.
They all know Shino than me!
Oh, that's awesome. And I know with the recent fires, I would love to hear, I know there were just a lot of certain parts of Sierra Madre that were impacted. Even more so, I would say most of the city even just felt like all the debris and ash and cleanup. What was it like for you being in the shop here?
It was a tough time for everyone but we are already the lucky one.
Luckily we didn't have any strong affecting things, but we were just out of power for a few days. So I always tell myself I'm already the lucky one compared to lots of people. So I've no complaints about this at all, but I just hope everyone can be strong together and support each other.
Yeah, yeah, definitely. And supporting local businesses too. Yes. I think that's a key, especially, I know so many families in nearby, neighboring Altadena, even parts of Pasadena and parts of Sierra Madre too.
People lost their homes and or have been displaced, so I know sometimes the local shops or commercial shops, they, you know, it's a lower priority, but that makes supporting the community even more important to ensure that these businesses stay in place.
Yes, yes. As I mentioned, we are very gathering in this town and a lot of business owners, we all come out and ask each other whether you're okay and we all support each other and buy a coffee from local and here and there. And so it is a strong community, but I hope everyone will get better soon.
Yeah, definitely. On that note, what has been the most rewarding part of running your shop here?
Oh, I think it's the time that I can meet lots of people. Before this location, I mainly just worked in my studio and sometimes, I think that as one person, I just keep making the same thing over and over. It's very hard for me to have any changes on the work that I make, but I think since now I have a shop, I can work on the other side.
And I can start talking to more people and I meet a lot more people. Sometimes people give me suggestions of, “oh, maybe you can do this.” Oh, maybe you can do that. And that's all the little things that I never thought of. And I think it is very valuable.
Do you ever do commission?
Yes, I do. But my commission is a bit slow because sometimes I have to wait until the kiln is fully packed before I can start the kiln firing.
That makes sense. What's the most unique request you've gotten?
Oh, unique request. I think everything, because I think everyone has their own story of the work that they want, and each of them, the pieces are all special.
I have one order. It's very special. A daughter texted me and said, “oh, my mom recently just passed away but she likes to use handmade ceramics a lot.” And her favorite cup is from me and that's why she wants to request a little urn for her mother. It was a very special story. So I told her like, “oh sure I will, I will. Maybe we can meet up someday.” And then, she told me, “yeah, sure, let's meet tomorrow.”
And then the same evening, I had a dream. I saw a light bulb. I asked the bulb, “oh, what color do you like?” And the light bulb told me red. So I was like, oh, that's weird. So the same day, morning, I woke up in my studio. It's like this, I have a lot of different cups on display.
I pick a cup that I like, and then when I put the hot water in, it has a very big sound like, boom! That never happened. I don't know what is happening. And I was like, oh, that's so weird. But after I finished, I put it back in my studio.
And during the evening her daughter came and I asked her, your mother, what colors do you think she likes? She told me Red. I was like, wow. And then I asked her, there's a lot of cups here. Do you want to pick a color that you think she would like? Yeah. She picked the same one that I used in the morning.
That's not the craziest part. And because during a gas firing, as every piece, they all look different. I have never, ever in my life that has the same piece that looks the same on the other, like as the other one. But during that time that firing the urn, it comes out half red, half white. It's just the same as the cup that she picked. It was crazy.
That's incredible.
Yeah. I think that is the biggest, most special thing that ever….
That is very special to have them just so intermingle together. The power of her mom, and your intuition, and premonition. That's wow.
Yeah. It's very special.
There's power and magic in your work, the spirit of it. With that, what would you say is probably one of the more challenging things of being your own potter and also running a business too, because, you have to wear so many hats and it may not always just be focusing on the work, but everything else?
Yes, I always feel like my happiest moment is on the wheel making the thing, but sadly, I have to do a lot more than that.
I have to purchase different materials, make some glazes, and we have to learn how to do pictures, photos, website, social media. I'm very bad at social media. Even though I'm not good at those, every time I finish one thing, I feel so happy as a reward.
I feel like, oh, maybe if other people can do it, I can do it too. You know? I'll be like, “Hey, let's try it and let's go into it.”
Definitely, I'd love to hear, yeah. Hearing you say you see yourself as a designer, where do you find your design inspiration or just inspiration?
I think it's more in everyday life because as a maker, I think as a cup you see cups everywhere. So a cup is a cup. That's no different than here and there. But I think what's so special, and the viewpoint of how you see colors, how you see shapes, what shape will fit better with hands, because everyone has different sizes of their hands.
So every time when I make a cup, I don't just look at my own hands to see whether it fits my hands a lot. I always see, oh, maybe I have to make something as large for people that have bigger hands or smaller here and there.
And I recently do work more with different coffee shops and they're very specific on the sizes of a cup. Some coffee shops have a latte and they prefer a 12 ounce, some 14. It's always different. So I think, from that, I learned a lot from them. And also for tea, people think for black tea it's better to use a higher cup, because black tea's more about the smell of it.
But when it comes to green tea, it's always about the color of a cup, so it's very different.
That's really fascinating to learn.
Yeah. And I think because of all the different drinks and people prefer different things, they give me all the ideas of what I want to make. And I think, yeah, that's a fun part of it.
That is really fun. It's so cool to hear because also just hearing that your work is not just solely in the home, in the residents, but at coffee shops, all throughout the community too. And just to know the nuances of how someone uses one of your works is really fascinating.
Yeah. I think that's the best part of a potter. We don't just look at ourselves. We also think about other users.
Yeah. This is a very silly, maybe basic question. How would you describe the difference between pottery and ceramics? I know sometimes they're interchangeable, but what's the distinction?
I think I would say maybe, I think it's the culture as one of them. I'm not sure if it's the entire US 'cause I haven't been there, but at least in California, the college that I used to go to, we have more ceramicists, sculptor than a potter.
I was the only one or two potter in the entire major. And I think the good thing is we can share different knowledge to each other. And when we were in college and we learn from each other, and some people are more focusing on mold making. But in London, I used to study in London for three years from a master degree in ceramics and glass.
In our college, we are focusing on different things. Like we have only around 20 students each year, and each of us do different things. And some do mold making, some do casting, some do sculpture, installation, pottery. I think the good thing is because everyone makes different things, so we can talk to each other to develop our skill, and maybe I didn't realize that and my classmates did. That's how we build camaraderie with each other.
Oh, fascinating. Yeah. So would you say that pottery is more tactile and in being used?
Yes, I think sculpture is more a display, a shared artist feeling at least. But as a potter, it is more about the users. I think maybe that's the difference.
Yeah, the distinction.
Yeah, the distinction. Sometimes when I'm tired of making on the wheel, I like to mix some small, random things too. And I think making a sculpture is my own time. I don't have to think about other people. It's my own selfish time to create. So I think that's the difference between a sculptor and a potter.
What do you hope people experience when they maybe use one of your mugs or eat out of one of your bowls or kind of use one of your cups as a pencil holder? What do you hope?
I think, I always tell people, sometimes some customers walk in, they say like, “oh it's my boyfriend's birthday. What should I give him?” I always tell them, maybe you should choose a cup. The reason of that is he will kiss the cup more than you do every day. Just kidding.
But I think that's the fun part between the relationship as a cup, as a functional wearer, to the users. For example, as a food bowl, I always tell people the happier moment for me is to have five bowls, five bowls on the dinner table because my brothers are always apart.
They won't be home all the time. So if I see five bowls, then that means they're here. So I think, pottery is not just only the potter, but it is with you everyday life. And I think it is a very strong relationship between itself and the users.
Absolutely. Yes.
And sometimes if you have a vase and your loved one will buy flowers, put it in and change the entire interior. Yeah, I think all the little, little things count.
Definitely just little moments of joy and just like that spark thought and kind of that slowing down of this is the, this is the moment we're gonna be in.
Yes.
One last question. For those new to ceramics or looking to start their own creative journey, what advice would you give them?
I always tell people don't give yourself too much pressure, not only the outcome, but also during the making process. As I mentioned, at the beginning when I want to make a cup, it always comes out as a bowl. If I want to make a bowl, it always comes out as a plate.
You know, I'm sure every potter has been through this, but sometimes I think it's okay. You know, like it doesn't have to be a cup. Maybe the clay wants to be a ball. Don't give yourself too much pressure.
Yeah, definitely. Just let yourself try it out.
Yeah, try out different things. You don't have to find your own style. It really doesn't matter because as a student, as a person, I go to different art schools and they all ask for, “oh, maybe you should have to find your own style.” Style will come. You don't have to fight for it.
But enjoy the making process. Sometimes when a piece is finished, you might not like the piece, but if you put it there for two weeks, three weeks and you look back, it's actually not too bad, you know? I think sometimes people give too much expectation on themselves and also the work that they make. Relax a little bit and when you look back, maybe you would like it. You will enjoy it. That's how I see my work.
Definitely. No, and that's just a great lesson for life too.
Yes. Don't push yourself too hard.
Enjoy it.
Enjoy. Enjoy the flow.
Definitely. I think two words I try to live by too as well.
Well, that's so lovely to talk with you, to get inside your brain.
Thank you for having me.
The artist, designer, ceramicist, potter, a business owner. It's really fascinating, and thank you for welcoming us into your world. And I'm very excited to scout out some more items to take. I have some client gifts I do need to pick up after this.
Thank you.
And yeah, to our listeners, if they wanna learn more about your work, where can they find you?
They can find me here in Sierra Madre. I have a home studio. Our home studio is still remodeling right now, but hopefully we will be done in summer June. But right now you can find me here anytime in Sierra Madre. I'm mostly here. The only time I'm not here is because I'm working in my studio doing glazing firing and things like that.
Yes, come by and shop in at One Cup Studio in Sierra Madre. It's so beautiful. I love the light in here. And then for folks who might not be close by, are they able to purchase online?
Yes. Yes. Or you can always find me on Instagram. It's very difficult. It's very hard for me to take pictures of each one of them because they're all individual. But you can always send me pictures of, Hey, do you have something like this and that, and I'm more happy to help.
Wonderful. Well. There you have it.
Another episode of The Thoughtful Realtor. If you love this, please give us a thumbs up, leave a review. I read each and every one of 'em, and this is such a great opportunity to think about how you can bring more ceramics into your life and into your home and really give it that wonderful feeling.
Until next time!
Thank you for having me.
Bye!
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
May 14, 2025
April 24, 2025
April 10, 2025
March 26, 2025
March 11, 2025
January 22, 2025
January 10, 2025
December 2, 2024
November 6, 2024
Let’s schedule a time to learn about your goals, walk you through our process, and determine how we can best help you.