At Mil Colores, we believe that when we work together, everything is more magical! That's why we have a new #InspiringWoman, Jose from @j_ceramicagres.
Your work and passion for it inspire us to always strive for what you love. To fulfill your dreams, to create a space where your imagination and mind soar, filling you with love and confidence for your achievements.
Jose wanted to share her experience in the beautiful world of ceramics and how she balances her professional projects with her beautiful new motherhood. We invite you to read and be inspired by her!
- How and why did you start your journey in ceramics?
I studied Environmental and Object Design at the University of Buenos Aires (UDD), and in a fourth-year class, we were asked to create a ceramic project. All my classmates had the pieces made by different artisans. I was curious to learn the trade, so I took classes with a friend who was a ceramist in Rancagua. I spent three weekends making the pieces in her workshop. I made the molds and poured each piece into the pottery. From that moment on, I knew I would one day work with the material again. For me, it was a huge world that opened up before my eyes. Incredible.
- In ceramics, what did you find and do you find? (calm, emotion, dreams, etc.)
I'm passionate about design in all its forms, but for me, ceramics is about expressing myself without words. It makes me happy to dream with my hands and create each piece with them. The process is incredible, from the initial design to the glaze tests, the different pastes, and the different thicknesses. Everything is a surprise; the pieces always come out of the kiln, always different. That's why they're called unique pieces, because they truly are. And that's fascinating. It has helped me develop both professionally and personally in many ways.
People often say it's a great disconnection, but for me it's the complete opposite; it's pure connection.
- How do you feel about being able to make your projects a reality?
I'm a very demanding woman, and I try to give my all to every project I've been presented with. Being able to make them a reality and carry them out is very satisfying, and each one of them makes me keep searching, rethinking, and innovating in my art.
- Why might we encourage other women to enter the world of ceramics?
I feel like the world is moving so fast that we're getting lost in immediacy, in the momentary, and the ephemeral. Ceramics gives us just the opposite: a pause in the processes, the opportunity to explore our creativity and our minds, to narrate through our creations, to experiment with an infinite number of techniques, shapes, textures, and colors. The call is to pause, to value and enjoy the processes, and to let inspiration take flight.
- Now, tell us, what are the next steps for your project? We know you're going to be a mother soon. How do you feel about balancing your dreams as an artist, entrepreneur, and mother?
My next steps took a pause during this pregnancy period. While I've tried to continue creating and working on my projects as an artist and entrepreneur, it hasn't been as easy as I imagined. Reinventing myself and moving forward with processes such as my website and preparing to start teaching classes tomorrow have been the focuses of this last month. I have a lot of faith in myself as a designer and ceramist and I'm sure I'll be able to balance my dreams with being a mother. I'm working on it so I can resume with new designs and new ideas.
- Finally, considering what you've said here, do you have any advice or comments you can give to women to inspire them?
Turning passion into a profession is possible, and I encourage you to take the plunge. Preliminary work, well done, is key to taking the plunge. The details and the graphic and conceptual creation are very important to publicize a project, to reach the audience you want, and to convey the value you want to give your brand.
I invite you to use ceramics, art, or whatever entrepreneurship you choose to pursue as a vehicle for connecting with your deepest essence and reminding you that we are capable of achieving anything we set our minds to; that we don't have to follow a predetermined path. Let art be your voice, your strength, and your legacy in this life.
Thank you, Jose! Your passion for your work has undoubtedly inspired many. If you'd like to learn more about her work and discover her beautiful creations, we invite you to follow her at @j_ceramicagres.
A Thousand Colors. Jewels with Energy.