Ryan Matthew Mitchell (煤球) is an American independent artist based in Jingdezhen (China), where he has established his studio practice and works under the pseudonym Meiqiu. He is best known for his unpretentious yet highly expressive clay sculptures. As early as his university years, Mitchell was an active participant in Montana’s contemporary ceramic art scene. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Montana, Missoula.

Mitchell’s sculptural practice explores the expressive potential of materials, connecting diverse cultural and historical modes of representation. His work investigates the intersection of nature and humanism, where imagery, sculpture, vessels, and abstract concepts are intuitively interwoven.

Mitchell is a member of the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC). He has served as the Founding Artistic Director of the Taoxichuan Jingdezhen International Studio and as an International Curator at Jingdezhen Ceramic University. Since 2007, Mitchell has been an active and accomplished international artist, dedicated to building platforms for dialogue and exchange between Eastern and Western art.

Awards:
– First Prize, The 7th Shiwan Cup Ceramic Sculpture Competition – Interpreting the Nature of Clay, Foshan, Guangdong, 2023
– Second Prize, Jingdezhen International Ceramic Art Biennale, Kaolin Award, 2023