Q&A:

1. Please introduce yourself! 

Hi! My name is Diana. My 5yr old daughter is my heart and soul. I am also a former motion graphics designer who has certificates in horticulture and California native plants. I grew up in Houston, went to art school in New York, and have now lived in Los Angeles for almost 20 years, 8 of those in Eagle Rock with my favorite adult human, my husband Adam. We have two cats, Huey and Buddy, and a husky puppy named Pynchon. I found NAPS in my pursuit of a passion outside of the one I have for my family and discovered that hand building with clay, together with working on my home garden, has been the perfect evolution from digital design to living design.

2. Your clay story: when and how did you first get into pottery? Can you remember your first pottery experience? Do you have any first memories that stick out?

My very first experience with pottery was a Date Night: Wheel Throwing class with my husband at NAPS one year ago. I remember it very clearly. It taught me the valuable lesson that wheel throwing is not for me! My back and artistic ego couldn’t handle it. I was not deterred, however. I signed up for Handbuilding 101 right after.

3. What forms do you make most, and what’s your style or go-to techniques/materials?

My favorite way to form clay is coil building, second to slab work. I love raw edges, wavy handles, and bright pops of color. Since I am still very new to this I wouldn’t say I have a “go-to” anything. I’ve never made the same form or used the same glaze combination twice. My goal is to keep trying new techniques and in all the exploration I will naturally evolve into a style of what I enjoy the most. I think at the moment I’m more into creating a joyous vibe that allows you to bring nature’s beauty into your home.

4. What appeals to you about clay and what lessons has it taught you?

The feeling of shaping something real, organically with my hands. It’s not digital. It slows my mind down and pulls me into the present moment. It has taught me to be patient and respect the process. Every single piece has been a new lesson learned.

5. How did you find Not Another Pottery Studio? Do you have any special moments, or favorite memories with other members / students?

I’ve had so many special moments at NAPS in the last year. My favorite experience would have to be the “Reclaim” class I took last summer with Lauren. It was only 4 of us every Friday, sharing our stories and challenging ourselves to reclaim an area from our pasts, our identities, or current realities. My life changed so drastically after having my daughter. I never ended up going back to my career in motion graphics and jumped so far deep into motherhood that I felt like I was losing myself. I really needed something outside of being Mami. So I chose to reclaim my time and discover what it is I love to do, for me. In that class I built a planter with my hands, of my hands, that now holds a beautiful California Dudleya in my garden. Even with all its flaws, it’s my most special piece and reminder to myself to always hold on to what I love. It’s what made me decide to just go for it and start ¡Ay Mija! Pottery. My mom fled from communist Cuba to the US when she was about 11, she met my dad (who had also fled) , was married by 18, and then had me and my brother when she was around 30. She loves crafts and plants and always talks about how her dream was to own a little shop. When I first showed her what I was making in the studio she proudly said  “¡Ay Mija, estan preciosas!” (Oh darling, they are beautiful!)

6. What advice would you give to someone starting out in pottery?

To just start! I have always had an interest in pottery, but for whatever reason, never gave it a try. Probably because I was a little intimidated, but mostly because I’ve never really allowed myself to slow down. Take your time, observe, create.

7. If we want to see more of you, your work (ceramic or other), where would we go? (If people can buy your work or you take commissions, let us know!)

I am currently only posting my work on Instagram @ay.mija_pottery but plan to develop a website and start selling by the end of year!