In the Ceramics Studio, Jacky Wu '25 immerses himself in his craft, focused intently on the clay and his tools. As he shapes a piece of branching coral, he tunes out the chatter of fellow artists, transported back to his scuba diving experiences in the quiet, open waters of the Philippines, where he first saw the coral reef he so delicately sculpts.

Unfortunately, the beauty he witnessed when he first began diving and that he works to recreate with clay is changing. Jacky has seen first-hand the destructive effect modern society has had on the coral reef. While on his most recent scuba diving trip, he observed coral bleaching. “The coral is dying, and the water is not as clear as it was on my first diving trip,” he says. His observations left a lasting impact on him and have made their way into his art. Jacky’s pieces combine his interests in sustainability and ceramics — two passions that he has been able to explore while at Pomfret. 

Jacky is working on a large-scale nine-tile mosaic of a seascape and the civilization located above the shoreline. The marine portion will mainly feature varieties of coral, and the urban portion will depict ancient and modern architecture. “I want to convey that we are living and have always lived with nature all around us,” says Jacky. “The older buildings demonstrate that the coral reef has been there throughout history, while the modern buildings will symbolize that if we want the reef to be part of our future, we must adopt sustainable practices.” He is considering incorporating the coral bleaching he has witnessed while scuba diving and is learning about it in his classes. “To maintain the beauty in the ocean and prevent further bleaching, we must consider a more eco-friendly way of living.”

Jacky’s passion for environmental responsibility comes from his family’s chemical business. They have instilled in him the financial as well as eco-conscious benefits of environmentally responsible business practices. He studied sustainable and environmental science in his classes at Pomfret and during Project: Pomfret. It is something he plans to pursue in college. He is particularly interested in Brown University’s open curriculum, which would allow him to explore multiple perspectives and disciplines of sustainable practices. 

While he wants to continue his exploration of sustainability, Jacky plans to continue to be challenged and creative through his ceramics projects. As a self-described introvert, working with clay provides him with an outlet for self-expression. “My art is a way to raise awareness for the natural world and share my concerns with others.” Jacky became interested in ceramics in elementary school and rediscovered his passion for working with clay at Pomfret. With a busy schedule full of advanced courses and squash and tennis practice, finding time to get into the Ceramics Studio can be challenging. But he makes it a priority. “I enjoy sitting at the table, seeing the sun setting outside the window, and listening to music as I work. It calms me down and helps me find inner peace.”

Ceramics Arts and Sculpture Teacher Sarah MacLeod encourages students to create pieces that reflect their interests or passions. Jacky’s first piece at Pomfret was a teapot and teacup — a required project for all students in Ceramics I. While Jacky considered crafting a piece with a tennis theme, he ultimately focused on the coral reef he recalled seeing from his scuba diving adventures and the environment. “In China, where I am from, tea connects two people. When they talk while drinking tea, they share their life and beliefs,” says Jacky. “What better way to communicate my passion for sustainability than with a teapot and teacup?” 

MacLeod encouraged Jacky to submit his teapot and teacup to the Tidal Shift Award competition, presented by the Portland Museum of Art. The contest aims to inspire change through art and award a prize to a young artist whose works contemplate an issue and/or a solution to a crisis facing their community resulting from climate change. While his submission last year was not selected, Jacky is determined to make a bigger splash this year. “My teacup and teapot did not directly address the sustainability problem,” says Jacky. “This year, with the skills that I learned in Ceramics II and now in Advanced Ceramics, I've designed my project to have a more impactful message about caring for the environment.”

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