Image: Shiang working in the studio, 2024, image by Tunku Radin.
Wee Shiang TAY (she/her) is an emerging ceramic artist from Malaysia and is currently based on Kaurna Country (Adelaide). Shiang creates playful and colourful anthropomorphic ceramic sculptures using various hand-building techniques. In 2024, she created Shim Shim, an alias she also goes by when selling miniature ceramic pieces in art markets or at retail spaces. Inspired by animals, her surrounding environments, and cartoon animations found online, her practice often reflects on mythical beings, endangered animal species, and ties to her Malaysian heritage.
How would you describe your practice in 5 words?
Colourful, Challenging, Fun, Puzzle-like, Meditative
Where does the creative process begin for you?
The creative process begins when I start sketching out ideas and drawings in my notebook. By doing rough sketches, I start forming a 3D plan in my head and would think about methods of bringing this sketch to a physical form. Other than form and design, sketching also allows me to think about the use of colour. I use colour pencils to sketch a potential outcome of what the vessel may look like in real life. I would also print out photos that I’ve taken and pin them to a wall whilst I start building the vessel, so that it can be a point of reference during the whole process.
Where do you draw inspiration?
I draw inspiration from my everyday life. I hike and cycle a lot, so when I’m on a trail, I would often click photos of the animals and the nature around me. At home, I also get inspiration from watching documentaries or stop-motion/animated films. Experiencing nature, learning about animals, and watching stories unfold through other art mediums sort of gets the gears in my brain going and linking them to developing my own ideas. Some ideas never work out, but at the end of the day it leads me to moving my hands and experimenting new ways to play with clay!
How do you work through creative blocks?
When I go through a creative block, I try not to rush myself. I start looking into trying new projects and even changing up my routine for a bit. This change can be small, or it can be something that I have been wanting to explore for a while! For example, I would start a new TV show or movie that I have been putting off watching, or I would try a new hike route or even switch up a new coffee order at a café. I feel that when I am too deep in a routine, I unconsciously stop seeking out new experiences. So, I think making the effort to venture into different outlets or places can be freeing, and that small spontaneous activities can start bringing new perspectives and ideas to the table.
Is there an artistic medium you’re wanting to try?
I want to try learning how to play an instrument again! When I was a kid, I tried playing various instruments, but it would be short lived as I struggled to read sheet music and could not be attuned to the instrument. Now as a full-grown adult, I would like to try again! I have been wanting to learn how to play a Chinese traditional instrument, such as the erhu or the guzheng, because the sounds of these instruments bring such clarity and tranquillity. I am hoping to start sometime this year, wish me luck!
Images: Wee Shiang TAY, My Blue Nose, 2025, paper clay, underglaze, clear glaze, super glue, buttons, and hanging wire, image by Connor Patterson.
Wee Shiang TAY, Three Best Friends are the Best Kind of Friends, 2024, porcelain, underglaze, and clear glaze, image credits by Connor Patterson