As a child, You Hsiao-hao spent most of his time outdoors playing in the fields. He made toys out of the simple materials and lowly creatures he encountered, since his family could not afford any luxuries. But he grew strong and healthy, and soon learned toward an early career in sports. He became active in track and field events, and was selected for the school baseball team.

When he graduated from the physical education department of the National Taiwan University, regarded as one of the best schools in Taiwan, it seemed his career was assured. But then he made an encounter with art which was to prove decisive. He soon began painting pictures of his childhood friends and outdoor scenes. At the time he was setting national records in track and field, one of You's friends remembers him for his development as a budding artist.

He recalls: "We used to tease You that physical education majors had no brains. But he didn't mind. During classes, he used to slip out into the art room, and later show us the works he had completed there. We all laughed, thinking it was a joke. It was only later that we discovered that he really did have a talent for painting. Now he's an art teacher at a technical school in Taiwan."

As well as painting, You is also an accomplished sculptor. He became interested in antiques several years ago and has since collected several hundred ancient pieces. As he bought and sold, You began to realize that his lack of knowledge in art placed him at a disadvantage in bargaining for antiques. He often found that he had paid an exorbitant price for an inferior piece. He decided to study under pottery expert Lin Bao-jin, and now You is himself a specialist in all aspects of pottery theory -- including molding, coloring, decorating and glazing.

You has also achieved a reputation for his outstanding pottery pieces, and in 1979, won an award from the National History Museum in Taipei for his entry in the modern Chinese painting and porcelain exhibition. Two years later, his works were selected for display in Chinese and Japanese national exhibitions as well as international exhibitions held in France, Italy and many other countries.

When asked about his eclectic career, You says: "A great deal of pressure, muscle control and coordination are required to work the potter's wheel. My athletic training has served me well. I try to express a feeling, a spirit in my works. Form and content are secondary. Regardless of the shape or size of a subject, it is the almost poetic expression of a mood which distinguishes exquisite pottery from the ordinary. I feel I draw this inner strength from my childhood experience in the outdoors. Even the colors I use--bold reds and tranquil blues--represent a combination of nature and my emotions. While my inspiration is eclectic, my work is harmonious," he says.

[Picture Caption]

1. You Hsiao-hao finishing a piece of pottery. 2. Glazing process. 3. The finished product.

1.2. Vase designed by You Hsiao-hao. 3.5. Two of You's special works. 4. Entitled "The return of the fallen leaf", this piece shows Buddhist influences.

Left: Lovely, unadorned vase. Right: Entitled "The Fish's Home", this piece symbolizes the traditional Chinese view of ethics.

Glazing process.

The finished product.

Vase designed by You Hsiao-hao.

Vase designed by You Hsiao-hao.

Two of You's special works.

Entitled "The return of the fallen leaf", this piece shows Buddhist influences.

Two of You's special works.