In this inspiring and deeply personal episode of Khmer Tree, host Chad sits down with Yari Livan, a Cambodian-born artist, master potter, and ceramics professor based in Lowell, Massachusetts—home to one of the largest Cambodian communities in the United States. Yari shares his extraordinary journey, beginning with his childhood in Cambodia, the harrowing years he lived through under the Khmer Rouge regime, and the path that ultimately led him to the United States. His story is one of survival, resilience, and a lifelong devotion to preserving Khmer cultural traditions through the art of ceramics.
Yari reflects on how his early exposure to Cambodia’s rich artistic heritage sparked a passion for pottery that would define his life’s work. After resettling in America, he committed himself to mastering traditional Khmer ceramic techniques, eventually becoming both a highly respected artist and a professor dedicated to teaching the next generation. His creations—intricately shaped, carved, and glazed—embody not only technical skill but also deep cultural symbolism, carrying forward the spirit and history of Cambodia.
During the conversation, Yari walks listeners through his artistic process, explaining how the shaping of clay, the careful attention to detail, and the firing of each piece are all acts of cultural preservation. For him, pottery is not simply craft—it is a living vessel for memory, identity, and resilience.
Beyond his personal artistry, Yari is deeply committed to giving back. He speaks passionately about his dream of returning to Cambodia to help build a smokeless kiln, a sustainable and innovative tool that would empower local artisans, protect the environment, and improve working conditions for potters in his homeland.
This episode is a celebration of the enduring power of art to heal, connect, and sustain cultural identity. Yari’s journey is a testament to how one artist’s dedication can keep traditions alive while inspiring new generations to shape their own stories in clay.