Meet Du Chau | Visual Artist, Art Lecturer & Scientist

As a visual artist, art lecturer, and scientist, I find my inspiration through traveling. I always see something beautiful on the sidewalk, in the street, or in the landscape. I am inspired by touching and feeling. I look at color, density, and space. I take in an experience and replicate it into something meaningful but not always beautiful.

I also find inspiration from looking at other artists’ works and learning from them. I work predominately in ceramics, but I have learned so much from writers. A good poem can also fuel my creative and innovative thinking.

Lastly, I get inspiration from teaching. I learn from my students. I try to pay attention, to be curious, and to see things from different perspectives.

I was born in Vietnam and came to the United States in 1981. I pursued a medical career in Pathology and have been a Pathology Technical Coordinator at Methodist Dallas Medical Center in Dallas since 1994. I began taking ceramics classes at Dallas College in the 1990s and was given a Cecil Wallace Fordham Memorial Award in Visual Arts from the DCCCD Foundation. I took a sabbatical from my Methodist Hospital job to pursue both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Fine Arts degree at New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. I continue to work for Methodist while I was getting my degree. I went back to work full-time at Methodist after I received my degrees.

Interestingly, my art degrees actually help my medical work in that art has helped me ask more questions. I deeply value my work in science but believe that my work as an artist has enhanced a different part of my identity. My career in the arts has grown significantly in the past few years. I have exhibited widely in the United States.

My work medium is predominately porcelain. Most of the pieces combine ceramics with wire elements to create a quiet and contemplative charged space. My current artworks evoke childhood memories in Vietnam and repetitive daily activities involving knowledge and contemplation.

I love my job as a scientist. I am also passionate about being an artist. the journey has not been smooth. My struggle is wanting to do everything well, which takes time and balance. Everyday living does take its toll. I overcome my challenges by giving myself time and solitude in my studio every week. Thus, I continue to work, play, and have my exhibitions.

Marty Ray, Robin Caster, Ben Howard, Karen Gringhuis, and Laura Potter are also my good friends and mentors. I can always go to them for advice and guidance. I have learned so much from these amazing friends.