An American Ceramist in Jingdezhen: Code, Clay and Community
Fri Sep 19 2025
"I sold everything... I was all in. I put in all my chips." With this leap of faith, American ceramic artist Michael May left behind his life in the United States and arrived in Jingdezhen, China's porcelain capital, a year and a half ago. Having traveled to nearly 20 countries, the seasoned artist ultimately chose Jingdezhen as his creative base.
In the latest episode of "Trending in China", Michael shares his unique journey from Oklahoma City to Jingdezhen with host Yolanda Lu and co-host Belinda Chen. With a background in traditional techniques and a passion for innovation, he now blends 3D printing technology with traditional pottery, creating works that marry form with function.
He delves into the city's collaborative spirit, learning from master craftsmen who spend lifetimes perfecting their art, and finding his tribe among the growing community of "Yang Jing Piao" (foreign expats living in Jingdezhen). Michael explains why this relentless pursuit of craftsmanship drives him to become better and why he believes "this is so far the best and the smartest place for a potter to be."
Highlights:
00:03:03 - Michael's journey from Oklahoma to Jingdezhen
00:04:12 - First impressions of the city and its pottery culture
00:07:10 - Traveled to nearly 20 countries before settling here
00:10:07 - Contrasts convenience in Asian cities vs. American life
00:11:21 - How ceramics connect people across the globe
00:14:00 - Jingdezhen: a small city with a growing "Yang Jing Piao" community
00:15:25 - Reflections on whether Jingdezhen feels like home
00:19:40 - The paradox of Jingdezhen: small city yet international hub
00:29:16 - Why Jingdezhen is ideal for pottery business
00:34:23 - Learning traditional techniques from local masters
00:40:00 - Initially thought clay 3D printing was "the dumbest"
00:42:01 - Decided to go "100% in" on clay printing
00:47:05 - Using his foreign identity as a marketing advantage
00:51:50 - How Chinese craftsmanship continues to amaze him
01:01:18 - Describes Jingdezhen as "happy, beautiful, and old"
This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube, among many platforms.You are also more than welcome to check our newsletter where you can find more in-depth sharings around Chinese economy: pekingensight.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com
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"I sold everything... I was all in. I put in all my chips." With this leap of faith, American ceramic artist Michael May left behind his life in the United States and arrived in Jingdezhen, China's porcelain capital, a year and a half ago. Having traveled to nearly 20 countries, the seasoned artist ultimately chose Jingdezhen as his creative base. In the latest episode of "Trending in China", Michael shares his unique journey from Oklahoma City to Jingdezhen with host Yolanda Lu and co-host Belinda Chen. With a background in traditional techniques and a passion for innovation, he now blends 3D printing technology with traditional pottery, creating works that marry form with function. He delves into the city's collaborative spirit, learning from master craftsmen who spend lifetimes perfecting their art, and finding his tribe among the growing community of "Yang Jing Piao" (foreign expats living in Jingdezhen). Michael explains why this relentless pursuit of craftsmanship drives him to become better and why he believes "this is so far the best and the smartest place for a potter to be." Highlights: 00:03:03 - Michael's journey from Oklahoma to Jingdezhen 00:04:12 - First impressions of the city and its pottery culture 00:07:10 - Traveled to nearly 20 countries before settling here 00:10:07 - Contrasts convenience in Asian cities vs. American life 00:11:21 - How ceramics connect people across the globe 00:14:00 - Jingdezhen: a small city with a growing "Yang Jing Piao" community 00:15:25 - Reflections on whether Jingdezhen feels like home 00:19:40 - The paradox of Jingdezhen: small city yet international hub 00:29:16 - Why Jingdezhen is ideal for pottery business 00:34:23 - Learning traditional techniques from local masters 00:40:00 - Initially thought clay 3D printing was "the dumbest" 00:42:01 - Decided to go "100% in" on clay printing 00:47:05 - Using his foreign identity as a marketing advantage 00:51:50 - How Chinese craftsmanship continues to amaze him 01:01:18 - Describes Jingdezhen as "happy, beautiful, and old" This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube, among many platforms.You are also more than welcome to check our newsletter where you can find more in-depth sharings around Chinese economy: pekingensight.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pekingensight.substack.com