Ceramic artist molds a rustic lifestyle

Liang is content with her reclusive life at the moment.

"I wake to birds chirping, especially dulcet in the morning," she says, adding that it reminds her of her childhood in China's countryside.

Her return to a rural setting with her husband has led her to acquire various living skills, such as how to plant vegetables and raise chickens.

"It grants me satisfaction to see the chickens seeking out and feeding on worms," Liang says.

The couple use leftovers from the kitchen to feed their farm animals, which give them eggs. They use the droppings as fertilizer for vegetables.

"The cycle gives me a sense of balance and contentment," Liang says.

The biggest regret for Liang now is the separation from her family over the past two years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

They have relied on online video chats.

"My mother has been a bit worried that I don't have a full-time job," Liang says.

"But I can sense that she understands me and is relieved that I'm enjoying my life right now."

To date, Liang has shared videos of her ceramic creations online, which have garnered more than 700,000 views.

Liang says she feels rewarded and inspired by the feedback of her followers.

"I was full of admiration when a 76-year-old follower started to learn ceramic art after watching my videos," she says.

"I hope I will be like him, and still have the courage to start something in my senior years."