Harvest Mountain

FINE ART

Harvest Mountain

向禾山

Where Western heritage meets Asian tradition

THE JOURNEY

A Path Between Two Worlds

From the West to the pottery towns of Taiwan, from student to official disciple, Adam T. Bernard’s journey is one of dedication to ancient crafts and the fusion of cultural traditions.

1999

Arrival in Taiwan

In fall 1999, Adam arrived in Taiwan and began his immersion into Chinese calligraphy and painting, discovering a new artistic language that would transform his practice.

2000

Calligraphy Training Begins

Spring 2000 marked the beginning of daily calligraphy practice under teacher Li in Pan Chiao, Taiwan—a discipline maintained every day since. Influenced by Wang Duo’s cursive, Huai Su’s “crazed cursive,” and Qi Bai Shi’s small seal script.

2003-2008

Mastery Under Weng Guo Zhen

Five years of intensive study in the pottery town of Ying Ge under third-generation master potter Weng Guo Zhen 翁國禎, learning traditional ceramics techniques and philosophy.

2008

The Name Harvest Mountain

In spring 2008, Adam’s master bestowed upon him the name Xiang He Shan (向禾山 – Harvest Mountain), recognizing his mastery and formally welcoming him into the lineage of Wong family potters as an official disciple.

Present

Studio in Santa Cruz

After 11 years in Taiwan and additional research at the Ashahi Kiln in Uji, Japan, Adam established his studio in Santa Cruz, California, where he continues to create, conserve, and mount works that bridge East and West.

"A unique fusion of East and West shapes a personal language of abstract expression"

The Practice of Harvest Mountain

THE DISCIPLINES

Traditional Crafts & Contemporary Vision

Three interconnected practices rooted in centuries of Asian tradition, expressed through a Western lens

01

Ceramics

Official disciple of the Wong family pottery lineage, creating works that honor traditional techniques while exploring contemporary forms and abstract expression.

Trained under master Weng Guo Zhen 翁國禎 in Ying Ge, Taiwan, and conducted research at Ashahi Kiln in Uji, Japan.

02

Calligraphy

Daily practice since 2000, drawing from the bold cursive of Wang Duo, the wild energy of Huai Su’s “crazed cursive,” and the precision of Qi Bai Shi’s small seal script.

Studied under teacher Li and mentored by “Su Dong Po” (teacher Ke), one of Taiwan’s premier calligraphers and ceramic painters.

03

Mounting & Conservation

Expert conservator and mounter of Chinese calligraphy, paintings, and folding fans. Mounts in Chinese, Japanese, and modern styles with museum-level expertise.

Studied with Gu Xiang Mei (Freer/Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian) and Ye Zhi Ming (Palace Museum of Taiwan).

Experience the Work

Explore a unique collection where ancient traditions meet contemporary expression. Visit the gallery to see ceramics, calligraphy, and mounted works that bridge two worlds.