Meet Pin Hsin Chu | Artist & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pin Hsin Chu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pin Hsin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Ever since college, I’ve held a strong belief that I would dedicate my life to art. That conviction, and who I am today, are deeply shaped by my family background—especially my father. He is a hairdressing educator and a passionate teacher. Because of financial limitations, he had to stop his formal education after high school. Yet, he never let that stop him. He was determined to keep learning, teaching himself and diving deeply into what he loved—education. Over the years, he wrote books, published them, and even founded a school.

Growing up watching my father pour his heart into his work was incredibly inspiring. It moved me deeply, and during my college years, I made a conscious decision to follow a similar path—to dedicate myself to what I love and build something meaningful.

After graduating from college, I ran a ceramic studio in Taiwan for a few years. But I felt the urge to push myself further. I wanted to deepen my artistic practice, nurture my creativity, and explore new possibilities—so I made the decision to come to New York. I’ve always believed that if you hold on to your passion and stay true to your path, you’ll eventually arrive where you’re meant to be.

That belief has kept me going as I continue my journey in ceramics here in New York—exhibiting my work, selling functional ceramic pieces, and starting to teach art. I’m deeply grateful for the spiritual guidance my father gave me, and proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone to come here. With the support and encouragement of friends I’ve met along the way, New York now feels like a second home.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is deeply inspired by the world of children and the magical stories found in picture books. I have a lifelong love of reading and a deep admiration for illustrations—they spark my imagination and give life to my creative spirit. That sense of childlike wonder, combined with emotional introspection, is at the heart of everything I create.

Through my ceramic sculptures, I aim to express the emotional complexities of growing up while preserving the innocence and sincerity of childhood. Each piece I create is like a visual story—often whimsical on the surface, but layered with deeper reflections on memory, growth, and connection. My goal is to invite viewers into a space where they can reflect on their own journeys, bridging the gap between who they were as children and who they are today.

What sets my work apart is this emotional narrative—my ceramics aren’t just functional or decorative, they are tactile stories. They carry traces of lived experiences, and each one holds a unique emotional resonance.

The path to where I am today hasn’t been easy. After graduating from college in Taiwan, I ran a ceramic studio, but I felt a strong desire to challenge myself further. Moving to New York was a big leap—it meant stepping out of my comfort zone, learning in a completely new environment, and starting from scratch in many ways. It was difficult, but I kept reminding myself why I chose this path. I believed that as long as I stayed true to my passion, the road would reveal itself.

Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of patience, resilience, and community. Being an artist can sometimes feel isolating, but I’ve been fortunate to meet mentors, friends, and fellow creatives who have encouraged me and helped me grow. I’m proud to now be teaching, exhibiting my work, and continuing to build my practice here in New York—a place that has truly become my second home.

What I want the world to know is that my work comes from a very sincere place. It’s rooted in my personal history, shaped by the people who’ve inspired me—especially my father—and nourished by the stories that have stayed with me since childhood. My brand and my story are about honoring emotion, embracing imagination, and finding beauty in the everyday moments that connect us all.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m not really an outdoorsy person, but since I have a backyard and enjoy gardening and growing vegetables, I spend most of my time at home in New Jersey. That said, I visit New York City often. One place I always recommend is The Met Museum. Even if you’re not someone who’s into art, I think it’s a wonderful place to immerse yourself in a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere. Just try to avoid weekends—it can get really crowded, which makes it harder to fully enjoy the artwork. After your visit, grab a classic New York bagel and take a stroll through Central Park, the first public park established in a city in the U.S. It’s a perfect way to wind down and take in the beauty of the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
One picture book that has had a profound impact on me is Maybe by Kobi Yamada. It’s a beautifully written and illustrated story about endless potential and hope—a gentle reminder that each of us is capable of incredible things, even if we don’t know exactly what they are yet. This book has stayed with me over the years and continues to encourage me, especially during times of doubt or uncertainty. Its message reminds me to keep believing in myself and the possibilities ahead. I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to this book and its creator, because sometimes, a simple story can offer the guidance and reassurance we need to keep going.

Website: https://www.pinhchu.com/

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

Image Credits
https://www.pinhchu.com/portfolio-2-1