Meet Ginger Chen | Ceramic Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ginger Chen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi GINGER, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
For those who know me, my life is essentially a collection of risk-taking adventures. Like many first-generation immigrants, I initially pursued a life of financial stability. However, after achieving everything I once thought I wanted, I felt the need to hit the brakes and reassess my direction.

Having played a key role in founding three companies, I realized I wasn’t truly in control of my own life. For years, I was content with being a behind-the-scenes supporter, avoiding the spotlight. But after facing some significant setbacks, I came to understand that only by focusing on and empowering myself could I harness my strengths and build the momentum to keep moving forward.

This realization led me to repeatedly leave behind the comfort and stability I had worked so hard to achieve. Like the snowboarding and rock climbing I love, I’ve taken this journey one deliberate step at a time, carving my path into a life filled with adventure.

My educational background is in industrial design for my undergraduate degree and computer art for my graduate studies. I never formally studied ceramics, but the moment I first touched clay, I fell in love with this timeless art form. Starting as a self-taught artist and eventually advocating for myself to exhibit in galleries, I learned that only by embracing risks could I transform a hobby into a profession.

To some, I might seem restless or perpetually dissatisfied. But through my own journey, I’ve discovered that each of us has untapped potential that exceeds our imagination. Only we have the power to unlock and explore those possibilities.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Not long ago, I completed a piece under extremely tight deadlines, and it’s one I’m particularly proud of. I believe my ability to handle pressure is a skill I honed during my university years. Even when faced with constraints on time and space, when I’m physically and mentally exhausted, or when the effort and reward may not seem proportional, I consistently give 100% to my work.

I pay special attention to the proportions and the flow of lines in my creations, dedicating countless hours and effort to details that others might not even notice. I also enjoy working with mixed media—while ceramics is my primary material, I often incorporate wood, fur, and other materials into my designs to enrich the details and texture of my pieces.

I hope my work brings collectors a sense of peace and joy. To achieve that, I regularly check in with myself, making sure I’ve returned to the core of who I am as an artist and that I’m creating with pure passion.

My art is an extension of my personality and energy. It’s also my way of expressing gratitude to the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a best friend came to visit me, I’d want to show them some of the places that inspire me the most and give them a taste of what I love about living in the Los Angeles area. We’d start with tours of my favorite pop art galleries, like Giant Robot Gallery, Corey Helford Gallery, Hive Gallery, La Luz de Jesus Gallery, and Leanna Lin’s Wonderland Gallery. These spots are really close to my heart. They’re not just places I go to feel inspired but also where I’ve had the chance to showcase my work and connect with the local art community. I think my friend would also love the creativity and energy in these spaces.

Of course, we’d have to dive into the amazing food scene here! I’d plan for us to try a mix of cuisines—Korean barbecue, fresh Vietnamese pho, spicy Indian curries, authentic Mexican tacos, and maybe some sushi or ramen for good measure. I’d love to share some of my go-to spots with them.

If they’re into nature, I’d take them to the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens. It’s such a peaceful, beautiful place to explore, with so much to see—gardens, art, and even historic architecture. Or, if they’re up for something more active, we could go on a scenic hike to soak in the views and enjoy some fresh air in the local mountains near Pasadena.

And since music is such a big part of my life, I’d love to take them to a house music event to meet some of my DJ friends and experience the community that makes those nights so special. I’d make sure the whole trip was full of creativity, good food, and memorable moments!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Before becoming a ceramic artist, I started a snowboarding accessories company in Los Angeles. I had partners in the past, but over the years, they’ve all stepped away, leaving me to manage the business on my own. During challenging times, I often look for support and role models, and Mike is always the first person who comes to mind.

At the start of my business journey, I thought of myself as a designer and never imagined I’d be capable of running a business. Learning about Mike’s story and following his journey on social media profoundly impacted me. I was inspired by how he built his business from the ground up. In one interview, he shared, “I didn’t have money or design experience, but I did have a sense of curiosity and drive.”

Like Mike, I have that same curiosity and drive. But sometimes, I find myself questioning: am I on the right path in my career? Without any family in the U.S., seeing people wear his brand fills me with pride. It reminds me that I know someone personally who turned a small dream into something big and beloved by others. That’s the kind of journey I hope to create for myself.

Website: https://www.gingerdroplab.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gingerdroplab

Image Credits
Ginger Chen