Wayne Ngan, Island Potter: A Portrait by a Friend

When Ngan Gui Wang arrived in Canada from China at age thirteen to live with his unwelcoming grandfather, he was poor, illiterate, and desperately lonely. In school, he faced racist taunts and saw little hope for a future until his junior high art teacher recognized his hidden talent and Ngan’s life began to blossom. Wayne Ngan, Island Potter is an intriguing biography of a young immigrant who went on to become a master ceramicist and one of Canada’s most celebrated artists. Ngan’s charismatic personality and masterful work captured the imaginations of the thousands who visited his home on Hornby Island and watched in fascination as he worked on the wheel. Lois Eustis Tate draws on her lifelong friendship with Ngan and on in-depth interviews with the artist and those who knew him best to depict the long sweep of his life and his tireless artistic experimentation. In this intimate portrait, we come to know Wayne as a flawed but astonishing person—talented, ingenious, resilient, but maladaptively averse to both intimacy and conflict. Tate’s rich, textured narrative raises compelling questions about the solitude and perseverance necessary to make art and about what gets sacrificed along the way. Ultimately, Wayne’s story shows that there is no human endeavor, no matter how humble, that can’t be approached with intention and a quest for beauty.
ASIN: B0DJZCR5ZZ
VSKU: GBV.B0DJZCR5ZZ.A
Condition: Acceptable
Author/Artist:Tate, Lois Eustis
Binding: Paperback
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: This book is in acceptable condition and may have highlighting and or writing throughout. The actual cover image may not match the stock photo, dust jacket may be damaged or missing. Book may show internal and or external wear on spine or cover and may be slightly skewed or have creased pages. This is a used book so codes may be invalid or accompanying media may be missing. May be an Ex library book with stickers and stamps.