about the artist
Andrea Liao [pronounced “lyao”] is a Hakka-Chinese Canadian ceramic artist from India. Rooted in a rich tapestry of cultures and languages, she carries an innate reverence for beauty and the handmade.
In the spring of 2022, Andrea began wheel-throwing classes at the Gardiner Museum. Her passion deepened with each practice, as she continued self-practice at the Creative Clay Studio. In the fall of 2023, she pursued formal ceramics training at the Haliburton School of Art + Design. There, she honed her pottery techniques and delved into the alchemy of glaze chemistry. Now, she continues to explore her artistic voice in her private studio with Akin Collective in Toronto.
Andrea is committed to a lifelong dialogue with clay — seeking refinement, discovery, and growth. She aspires to bring her work to local markets and artist residencies in the upcoming years, carving out her place in the artisan community as an emerging voice in contemporary ceramics.
from the artist
what i love most about ceramics as a medium is that it starts out as a "feeling" based art. when i'm on the wheel, my breath aligns with the rise and fall of the clay, and my thoughts melt into it. the clay in my hands, the wheel spinning—it is meditative, a moment of serenity.
my pieces resonate with the contemplations of my inner world. each creation serves as an intimate reflection of my artistic journey, shaped by an insatiable curiosity to explore diverse pottery techniques. the contemporary ceramists i admire inspire me to push the boundaries of my craftsmanship, fueling my desire to innovate and evolve. i am drawn to aesthetics that seamlessly blend vibrant hues, organic textures, and the elegance of minimalist design, allowing each item to stand as a testament to both form and function.
my work externalizes the emotions and thoughts that pulse within me. each piece is a tangible expression of my inner world, a vessel through which i pour out the present atmosphere of my mind. it is a journey of unburdening, a way to make the intangible solid, and a means to offer a piece of myself for the world to connect with and appreciate.
curriculum vitae
Education
Ceramics, Fleming College, Haliburton School of Art + Design, 2023
Executive Office Administration, Seneca College, 2015
Student Exchange Program, Hanyang University, South Korea, 2013-2014
East Asian Studies, Hons. BA. in Korean & Japanese Studies, York University, 2014
Professional Affiliations
Artist, The Curated Market Co., 2025
Artist, Bazaar Toronto, 2025
Ceramics Technician, NSS, TDSB, 2024
Newsletter Executive, Toronto Potters, 2024
Member, Toronto Potters, 2023
Studio Member, Creative Clay Studio, Spring & Summer, 2023
Student Member (Hand-building, Intro & Intermediate Wheel-throwing, Stoneware), Gardiner Museum, 2022-2023
Languages
Native proficiency in English and Hindi
Limited proficiency in Hakka-Chinese, Japanese, and Korean