We are so excited to feature Salina of Fu Ceramics! Salina makes ceramic jewelry inspired by her Chinese heritage. She recently released her second collection, and is about to release her third in time for Lunar New Year. Read on to learn more about her!
What inspires your work?
My work with Fu Ceramics is inspired by all the things that fascinate me about my culture. Chinese culture is abundantly full of beliefs, customs, and superstitions. There are traditions and ideas that I didn’t care to understand too deeply as a child. I think in part, it had to do with wanting to assimilate with white culture and not wanting to be different. As I’ve gotten older, I find myself more curious about my heritage and Fu Ceramics is an extension of my identity exploration.
Black and white photo of Salina painting on a Lo Lo Tong in a pottery studio. 
A small Lo Lo Tong in the glaze Ocean Mist hangs in front of plants.
What is your favorite piece in your collection and why?
I’ve only released one design so far, the Lo Lo Tong. Lo Lo Tong means to be without barriers on any path you take in Chinese. It’s a ceramic tube pendant and my mother actually came up with the name.
Out of all the colorways and patterns I’ve created, I think Lunar will always be a favorite. Lunar is a glossy, white glaze and it is absolutely beautiful on speckled brown clay. It was the first Lo Lo Tong I made for myself and it just goes with everything.
What’s something you love about your heritage?
It’s probably strange to say, but the one thing I love about my heritage is its spirituality. There is an understanding that there is meaning in everything, and that’s something I try to capture with Fu Ceramics. Whether it’s a number, a piece of jewelry, or even food, their representations carry so much history. What used to be borderline cheesy to me is now fascinating.
Lo Lo Tongs in the glaze Gridlock 
Lo Lo Tongs in the glaze Floating World 
Lo Lo Tongs in the glaze Moon Crater 
Lo Lo Tongs in the glaze Algae 
Double headed vessel in a light blue, blue and mustard color block glaze
What is the size range of your pieces?
Size Range for Lo Lo Tong:
small = less than 2.25″
medium = 2.25″ – 2.75″
large = 2.75″ – 3.5″
x-large = 3.75″ and up
Since you are a new maker, what do we have to look forward to for future collections and designs?
My next release will be a Lunar New Year collection and I’m really excited! In addition to some special edition Lo Lo Tongs, I will be introducing gourd and coin pendants. I’ve been working on these ideas for almost half a year and I can’t wait to get them out in the world. Also, included in this collection will be wall hangings. As a child, I knew Lunar New Year was around the corner when I see my mom buying new lucky couplets and ideographs to hang around the home. My logo is actually based on the popular Fú character ideograph, so this feels right.
Fu Wall Hanging 
Prosperity Fish Wall Hanging 
Lunar New Year Special Edition Lo Lo Tongs ft. butterflies and plants, made with white stoneware clay rather than their usual brown speckled clay.
Visit Fu Ceramics to browse her collection, and follow @fu_ceramics on Instagram!
