Thomas Paik
I entered the mentorship program hoping to reignite the more artistic side of my practice. I often focus on functional ceramics, and I wanted to reconnect with the aspects of my work that exist beyond function. One of the most fulfilling parts of the Fusion mentorship was being surrounded by artists with practices and career stages similar to my own. I loved seeing everyone’s unique styles, perspectives, and ideas, and learning from what each person brought to the program. My biggest challenge was making space for genuine experimentation. I can become so focused on my established style and familiar ways of working that I sometimes hesitate to branch out. The mentorship encouraged me to step outside of those habits and reminded me of the importance of giving myself time to explore, experiment, and embrace new possibilities within my practice.
