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Finding Joy and Functionality in Art with Hitomi Aihara
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In this episode, the host welcomes a pottery artist Hitomi Aihara who transitioned from a marine biology career to becoming a full-time ceramicist. The discussion explores the importance of pursuing joy in pottery, the artist's journey starting with a COVID-era pottery kit, and the role of social media in growing their art practice. The conversation dives into how marine biology knowledge influences their pottery, the significance of creating functional art, and the challenge of self-criticism. The artist shares insights on using digital platforms effectively, blending sculptural and functional elements, and advice for other potters on discovering their unique voice. You can learn more about Hitomi by checking out her instagram https://www.instagram.com/umi_goods/
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00:00 Introduction to Shaping Your Pottery 00:21 Finding Joy in Pottery 00:45 Starting the Pottery Journey 02:01 First Pottery Class Experience 02:43 From Marine Biologist to Digital Media 04:46 Impact of Marine Biology on Pottery 06:00 Creating Functional Pottery 07:45 Embracing Mistakes and Growth 09:03 Combining Sculptures and Functional Pieces 11:26 Steps to Creating Unique Pottery 14:26 Transition to Full-Time Potter 18:11 Navigating Social Media for Pottery 22:55 Discovering Your Unique Voice 27:53 Final Thoughts and Advice 29:46 Conclusion and Where to Find More
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Transcript
Introduction to Pottery Enhancement
00:00:01
Speaker
If you love pottery and want to take your skills to the next level, you're in the right place. Find your own pottery style right here on Shaping Your Pottery with Nick Torres. Let's get started. Hey, Tommy, welcome to Shaping Pottery and share with me what is something you believe everyone in the pottery world should be doing? Hello. Everybody in the pottery industry should just be doing what makes them happy, I believe. Like, why are you doing pottery? I'm hoping it brings you joy that I think is number one. Absolutely great. Shaping Nation. The reason why we got into pottery because it brought us joy. So make what you want to make and continue pursuing that joy. I absolutely love
Discovering Pottery Through Team Bonding
00:00:44
Speaker
that. yeah So now tell me the story how you got started making pottery. Yeah, I but see like
00:00:52
Speaker
pre-COVID, or maybe it was right when COVID hit, I was working at a company and we needed to do some sort of like team bonding, but how do we do that virtually? So I found this company called Sculpt, which is like a pottery kit. And it was perfect. Cause then you could just like, um, send it to everybody anywhere. And then we all went on a zoom call and we're like, let's just do pottery today. So. It was like, you know, a good 30 minutes to an hour of just making it fun. Um, and then that just kind of made me think like, Hey, is this something I want to just tap into? And I was fortunate where like less than three miles away, there was a ceramic studio. So I went in for a class, fell in love with it. And I was like, let's keep doing this. So yeah, it was like pretty much.
00:01:43
Speaker
Like majority of the COVID hobbyists, I feel like I started from that, but it's been super fun. So like, ah it's just so humbling, but at the same time, like meditative. So, you know, I recommend it to everybody.
First Pottery Experience: Expectations vs Reality
00:02:01
Speaker
What were you feeling when you took your first pottery class? I mean, I went in being very low expectations on my end. You know, a lot of times at these intro classes, they'll be like, you're gonna leave with a bowl. um So I went in being like, if I can make a container, that's all that matters. and
00:02:20
Speaker
You know, obviously the instructor there's are very, very helpful. So you come out with a bowl and I think that was enough to make me feel like I could do this. And so yeah, I just kept on going back and never looked back since. Absolutely love that. So you contribute your growth as an artist to digital media. Can you tell me more about this? Yeah, I mean, so before becoming a full-time ceramicist, you know, I share on my Instagram that I was a marine biologist, which I was, but then I did a career change, um, to be in digital media. So I worked at companies like Buzzfeed and Patreon and worked on their, you know, really pushing video production, that kind of stuff. And from that it like allowed it literally like
00:03:12
Speaker
taught me everything I need to know about how social media works and like how to engage with audience and all that kind of stuff. And, you know, obviously like their goals are very much different from I think individuals goals on social media, but it did give me a good understanding of like, well, why am I going to use social media? to grow and do I need it to grow? So I think really going into the full-time artist mode, you know the power of social media is insanely beneficial in that way. it's In a way, it's free marketing. So is if anybody needs to do anything marketing-wise, I feel like social media is like a great way. And I think now too, you know, small businesses are something that like people value, authenticity is what people value. And I think as long as you're upfront with what you do and the people, whether they find you on social media or find you through a search or whatever it is, like, it's a great way to connect with people, especially like, you know, I don't want to call them my audience, my followers, because I want them to be more than that. But I think like,
00:04:23
Speaker
finding the same like mindset mentality people is always great. And then obviously for me, it's like, I like to make marine things. So if I could find another marine nerd, that makes my day. Absolutely love that.
Marine Biology's Influence on Pottery Designs
00:04:39
Speaker
So we'll talk more about social media in a little bit. But so you mentioned that you were a marine biologist. How did that impact the way you make your pottery today? Yeah. ah all of it. I love understanding like, you know, animal anatomy, functionality, that kind of stuff. So everything that I make, I mean, and this is the beauty of ceramics, right? Like
00:05:03
Speaker
If you could think it, you could make it. Like nothing will hold you back kind of thing. So a lot of times when it comes to marine ceramic pieces, let's say, like it's, it tends to be very touristy, like something you would find at a, you know, a boardwalk souvenir shop, that kind of thing. Or you could go like the super classy route. Either way, it doesn't matter. I think I was looking for what I want. And for me, anything that is like, marine mammal just because that's kind of what I specialized in. like I know it. I feel it. i could like I know what makes me happy about it. So just being able to put that into clay form would make me happy. And then on top of that, if I can use it every day, then I have a reason to be like, yeah, I made this for a purpose. So that's just for me. but
00:05:56
Speaker
Absolutely love that. So let's talk more about your pottery. Can you tell me the story, how you started making the pottery that you make today? Yeah. I feel like I started making the pottery I make today because again, one, like I wanted and for everything I make, I want it to be functional. i'm I love the idea of decorating, but I personally don't do it as well as I think I would. So so in that case, again, like I want to make something that is going to be held every day. I want to make something that's going to be looked at and used every day. And I totally understand that everybody looks at art differently. There are so many beautiful paintings and
00:06:44
Speaker
you know, other other objects that I think has a lot of value for people individually. But for me, I just want something that, you know, if I'm gonna have coffee every morning, I want, you know, like I think any of us, like we open our shelves, we find which mugs we wanna choose for that day's coffee. And i I just want my mug to be in the options of like, I wanna use that mug today. So it kind of gives me that like, what is the function today? what What brings me happiness today? And then if that piece can do that, then amazing. And not just mugs, like whether it be plates or you know containers, whatever, all the things that I make, I think it's like, what are the everyday things I do that could add this like element of marine-ness to it? Then that makes my day.
00:07:41
Speaker
Absolutely love that.
Learning from Mistakes and Creative Exploration
00:07:42
Speaker
What advice would you give to someone that wants to bring more joy to their own pottery? I think that's that's not something I could say to them because I think everybody's journey is different. I hope that anybody doing pottery currently is just enjoying themselves like and a lot of it too like yeah I've only been doing pottery for I'm on my third year which is like fairly new and I'm making mistakes every day. Like I'm learning every single day and personally I enjoy that. Like I like those mistakes. Like I'll make a version and be like, Oh, but the next one could be better and the next one could be better. And I think those are things that like makes it really fun. So I think for anybody else, it's like,
00:08:30
Speaker
Know that it's okay, that things will change. Know that from anything you make, you're going to learn from it. And then let's just keep on riding that train and make what you make what you like. You know, I think it comes down to that first question that you asked is, I hope they're doing what they're doing it because they like it. absolutely reshaping nation, you're gonna fail and that's gonna be okay. But learn from those mistakes and keep on growing. The more you grow, the better your pottery is gonna turn out and the more fun is gonna be as well. I absolutely love that. So something I love about your pottery is that you merge sculptures and functional pieces together. Why do you do this?
00:09:11
Speaker
I mean, why? Probably just because I have a very maximalist mentality where I just want to keep on adding things to it. And when you're making things, you know, off of a wheel, it's very symmetrical. It's, I mean, there's benefits to it. Like, you know, it could be more symmetric. It could be stronger because of the way the clay is being shaped. Uh, I feel like the way I go into any of the pieces I make is a very like, and I guess this is my, another digital marketing thing is like, I'll go online, put it in the search engine. I'll do it for everything from my desktop. I'll look in Instagram. I'll look in TikTok and.
00:09:56
Speaker
go into those search engines and then put in like a whale mug. What already exists out there? And like I think a lot of artists, like we don't want to copy anybody. Yes, we are always inspired by everybody, but we want to make our own thing. So I just make sure, if I search a whale mug, how could mine be different? And for a lot of, I think, a lot of the things that are are also currently out there, it's like adding that element of hand sculpture, I guess. like that makes it a little bit unique or even painting, you know, like there's a ah ah new project series I'm working on and I can't really share it because I don't have anything drawn out or anything like that. But I, you know, I think when it comes to like even the art that you put on a mug, it could be in any simple shape, but the way you paint it, the way you add your like little elements to it makes it so unique, and I think those are the touches that I like to do. So yeah, both hand-thrown sculpture. In the end, it's all handmade, and I think that's, to me, what's important. It's like, is it handmade in the end? Yes, then, okay, I didn't i did my job.
00:11:12
Speaker
Absolutely love that shaping nation. You don't have to be stuck doing just one thing. You can combine all the things you want to it. It doesn't matter as long as you are enjoying what you're making and you enjoy the end result as well. I love that. So can you walk me through the steps you take when creating one of your pots? Yeah, sure. I mean, I know I just mentioned this, but again, I'll search engine it, make sure that what I think in my head isn't already out there and a lot like sometimes it is. And if that's the case, I'll like see, well, how can I make it better? But let's say for the porcupine, the porcupuff cups that I've been making, that was something like, I know there's a lot of great
00:11:57
Speaker
ceramicists, sculpturists, as well as like, you know, mass produce places that make like poor cute porcupine stuff. So taking what I've seen online, but then I was like, well, then how do I make it a little bit more unique, but again, functional and with porcupine fish or puffer fish, like they got those spines. And how comfortable is it holding and you know, like I had five or so that I made in the first time and they hurt so bad because they were way too sharp. Um, and so then just kind of like tweaking it little by little, changing colors, playing with the glazes, all that kind of thing. And, and then like, I, I, I like what I have. I think you'll keep on changing a little bit at a time, but yeah, kind of.
00:12:45
Speaker
going off of that and making sure that the main features of the animal is also accentuated or highlighted. It's almost like, you know, when you get a caricature drawn of yourself and they like pick out certain features of your face or body that like they're going to be like, I'm going to hone in on that. So same thing, I think a lot of times when I create anything marine mammal related, I will like look at it and be like, well, this is why this animal is really cool. And then kind of go from there. But also, it's a great way for me to learn more about the animal because, you know, again, I studied marine biology, I worked with a bunch of marine mammals, and I know them, but
00:13:30
Speaker
when it comes to other fish species and that kind of thing. It's like a way for me to then just like extend my my little circle of that like knowledge when it comes to those animals. And I think too, like when I think about these pieces, it's like, one, I have to say to myself, I'm like, this is so cool because this animal is so cool. And not that everybody wants to learn from me, but I'm always like, but I want to share my, like what I learned to people just cause I think it's cool. And seeing that other people also enjoy those facts. Like, I think that's, that's a great way for me to connect them, my pieces with the social side of things. But long story short, yeah, I feel like I just like, I like to learn, I like to make, and then I'll just try to project it on my pieces.
00:14:22
Speaker
Absolutely love that.
Embracing Pottery Full-time and Digital Marketing
00:14:24
Speaker
So let's talk about the business side of pottery. Can you tell me about the moment when you decided to become a full-time potter? Yeah, well, I got laid off. So originally my thought, I remember last summer I was like, I think I could do this. I think I want to do this. But, you know, the corporate life gives you this financial stability and all these benefits that we live in the United States have to like rely on. But yeah, I started coming up with like my six month plan of how to become a full-time artist last summer. And i I remember being like, okay, my goal originally was like summer, like right now, summer of 2024 was when I was going to put in my two weeks, quit my job, so then I could just do this full time. Until then, like
00:15:15
Speaker
you know, save enough, put enough away for emergencies, make sure I know what I need to do on the back end to like support myself, but happened. So I got laid off at the end of the year. And that kind of just pushed pushed me forward to be like, okay, well, you've been doing social and digital media stuff for the last almost 10 years. So what happens if you apply 100% to what you do? Can you do it on top of doing what you really want to do, which is to be a ceramicist? So I was like, I think I could try this. And then, you know, I'm very fortunate that it has worked in my favor. And I think
00:15:54
Speaker
Again, it's, it's still a learning curve that I'm learning to speak up for my own self, which is so hard because I'm you're constantly, I mean, I'm constantly looking for validation being like, is this okay? Like am I doing okay? So yeah, but all in all, like, again, it's a journey. I'm still trying to figure things out. I'm still making a bunch of mistakes. But it's been so worth it. Like I am so much happier mentally ah doing what I love to do. And I think that's what I, you know, prior to going into this full time, I think I was
00:16:32
Speaker
getting stuck on social media, reading about other people artists journeys and being like, oh, do I get to do this? Like, you know, it's the whole reality versus what is it? The Instagram reality, that kind of thing. And being like, well, can I do it? But I'm i'm lucky enough that I feel like I finally found what I want to do. And I'm again, like I'm so fortunate that so many people enjoy what I do. So that's that's been like, a huge help. So thank you to everybody that has purchased from me and all that kind of stuff because their support really is like everything. So what were you feeling when you got laid off from your company? Well, this last layoff, I think any layoff sucks. Like it just shares. It just shows that, you know, you could work at any company you could be nurtured and cared for by every manager and all that kind of stuff. But in the end, like,
00:17:31
Speaker
You're just a number at a company and they have to let you go if they got to let you go. So I wasn't mad. Like an honest to honest thing. Like again, like because I wanted to do this new venture, I was like, if I got let go, that's okay. Like at least I could collect unemployment and figure things out. which again is like another privilege, but i I'm very much happy that it happened when it did. Cause I think that gave me the ultimate push to be like, right now is your chance, six month or six months early, but you got it. So oh yeah, it made me just be like, okay, go. So you've mentioned a few times that you ah started using social media. What is it, what works well for you on social media?
00:18:19
Speaker
What works well? I mean, I'm only tapping into Instagram currently. I think every platform has every rule, every algorithm, right? So I just make sure what I showcase is what I what i do. Like I don't like to do trends, ah trending music is I think different, but You know, I'm not going to dance for Instagram. I'm not going to do all that kind of stuff, just cause like I would be uncomfortable doing it. And I think that is something that people could see. So for me, I just make sure I stay in my lane of what I set, which is I want to share my pieces, whether it be the work in progress stage, the final product stage, business announcements, that kind of thing. Like.
00:19:08
Speaker
And those are all very much, I think, things that, like for me, I'm using it mostly as a marketing platform. like i I want to connect with, ah and again, like I do see everybody that comments, that likes everything. like I tend to look into them and be like, who are these people that like my things? Because if they like my things, I i feel like, you know, if I feel like i I would just like them as well. And and sure enough, like i I feel like there's so many scientists and other artists that has reached out, which is again, like, it validates me to be like, okay, I think I'm doing okay. But, but yeah, I, to go back to your question, I think it just
00:19:57
Speaker
just be true to what you, why are you doing this? Like, why are you posting on social media? I think it's like a question I ask myself, am I doing it for the follows? Am I doing it for the likes? Like, no, I'm doing it so I could just show my work. And I think that's kind of how I went in, went into it initially. Like when I first started, I was like, I'm just going to, this is just my, besides my personal Instagram account, this is just going to be just my art stuff. So. mainly focusing on what I like and just kind of being true to myself, which I think, again, is what nowadays, like, you know, social media kind of prefers. a I don't know, because I feel like half of it's also fake and you're just like, oh, then I'm just going to be honest. Like, I'll be true to what I do. All personal. but Yeah. What are some simple videos that people can make to start showing off their work more?
00:20:57
Speaker
A simple video, I feel like, again, like, why are you, why are you posting it in the first place? I think that's what I would ask first. It's like, if you made a mug, you want to show it off, then show it off. Like I, there's nothing, I think that is again, like, Building confidence is one thing I think on social media, but an easy video is just record and show your mug. Like that's a lot of minor like that, right? I don't really care too much about the background. I just want to make sure the piece speaks to itself or to its own. So I just try to like showcase what the piece is. And then again, this is where separate from the video, now let's work in the Instagram algorithm. like
00:21:48
Speaker
They like it when you use their stickers, their are captions, their templates and their music and that kind of thing. So giving into that, making sure like those things also align with what you're showcasing. And then of course there's hashtags. Sometimes they say don't use hashtags. And I've, I feel like. It could go both ways, but why not? A hashtag only helps people that won't find you. I mean, I don't know, like, I guess, how do you get, but search how do you show up on the search page of Instagram? Like those tend to be like, if you use certain musics or trends or that, like any sort of like, so I feel like, yeah, video quick and easy, then
00:22:36
Speaker
put a little bit more effort into the backgrounds, the captions, all that kind of stuff. But I think as long as you're just showing what you want to show, then that's good, right? Sorry, that was such a long answer for such a short like question. Absolutely love that was some excellent advice right there. Absolutely love that. So let's talk about discovering your voice.
Passion for Ocean Themes and Functional Art
00:22:58
Speaker
Can you tell me about the moment when you knew you were heading in the right direction with your pottery? Yeah, I mean, again, or You know, when you talk about what is the right direction, I feel like I wanted to just make sure that I wanted to make what I wanted to make. Granted, like, again, sometimes I i think too much, sometimes I get too indecisive, but I try to go in with a mindset. Like you'll find me on a couch just like staring off thinking for a good 30 minutes at a time sometimes, because
00:23:33
Speaker
That's kind of how I brainstorm and process things. But I, you know, when I think of how I found my way was really just knowing what I'm passionate about. And I love anything ocean related. I think having the understanding of like, what makes certain animals cute. those kind of things as well as like talking to people like I you know a lot of my friends who are currently still in the marine field they're you know I'll just chit chat with them about like what what is so cool about this animal or or you know things that we used to teach in our like little
00:24:13
Speaker
education programs with kids. It's like, what's the difference between sea lions and seals? And again, like all those things, I think like those facts kind of helped me make what I want to make. But then going back to again, the questions prior, it's like, how do I make it functional? Like how do I make it so it could sit on my kitchen counter that hasn't been clean for a few days, but still look cute kind of thing. So yeah. What would you say was your biggest obstacle when it came to find your own voice? I feel like the obstacles, like my own judgment on myself, you know, like I'll make something that I think is cool. But then because my goal is to make everything functional, sometimes things aren't as functional, which might be like as simple as it's not balanced. It's not, it doesn't, you know,
00:25:06
Speaker
it doesn't close the lid doesn't close comfortably. Those those like specific like things, I think that product designers are very like good at pinpointing. I'm not a product designer, but I love the idea of like, well, I guess now, right? like I guess I'm a product designer if I'm creating products. So yeah, like I think the hardest part is my own my own two cents and notes. like Again, I have, a group chat where I send my friends usually like, this is what I made. Is it cool? What would you change about it? But, you know, they might be like, no, that's great. That's good. Or like the glaze, like, what do you think about this color? And they're like, no, I like it. It's cool. But I think I'm the only person that's like, well, I don't know. This might need this. so This might need that. So yeah, I'm holding myself back. How do you get past that? What helps you with getting out of your own head?
00:26:05
Speaker
I can't. I mean, I'm always in my head, I feel like. But I think just like putting it out there, because I think about my first drop I did, I literally was not expecting people to even buy anything. I was like, I'm just going to put it out there and see what happens. like And the stuff I had at the time, I was like, this is the best version. But I feel like pieces has changed since then. And I think the people that purchase And so many people have left reviews on my Etsy shop, which I read every single one of them. And I'm just like, okay, this is good. like If people like it, that means I'm doing okay. like But I think it's okay for myself. I give myself the excuse slash, like I allow myself to tell myself to be like,
00:26:59
Speaker
I could clean this up a little bit better. Like, you know, it is handmade. It doesn't have to be perfect. But I think as an Umi goods product, I have standards that I'm going to keep. So I think that I want to hold up to. And I think that's what's going to make me also grow as an artist is like, what are my values? What do I think is good? And how do I keep on going? And again, like, those are going to be extra mistakes I get to put in my back pocket and then bring out later and be like, I made this mistake and I'm going to fix it this time because I told myself last time that I could. So.
00:27:36
Speaker
yeah I absolutely love that. Shaping Nation, it's important to have a standard for your own pottery because if you want to meet that standard and sometimes you may not always meet it, then it's okay to throw away those pieces, but try to meet that standard so you're always making the best work possible. I absolutely love that. So now, what advice would you give to someone looking to discover their own unique voice with their pottery? Do it. Follow it. like Again, I think there's a good example is, you know, if especially again, since I'm like only focusing on the Instagram social platform, but you go on that thing and you look up all the pottery out there, you will see everything. And I think that in itself is amazing to see an artist that like, you could be like, whoa, that's cool. Or like even like seeing a child's artwork, right? Like, I think even
00:28:34
Speaker
Even now i'm I'm currently looking at a refrigerator screen and there's some like paintings from friends, kids, and that kind of thing. And it's just like, how creative and cute and how personal. And I think every, I'm not speaking for every artist. I guess I'm just speaking for myself. It's like, everything I do is going to be personally done. Like I did it specifically for this piece. So whoever purchases this piece, I hope could be like, you know, this person put a lot of effort into this and like, that's great. So I don't know. Again, like I just hope people like it because everything I do, at least everything I put out there, I'm like, I think this is good. So finding the confidence though, like that took a long time, I think. And I'm still like trying to find it, but at least the things that I'm like happy about, I'm like, yeah, I did a good job. Thank you.
00:29:30
Speaker
ah Absolutely love that. Hitomi, it's been great chatting for today. And as we come to a close here, what is one thing you want to hammer with my listeners today? Just do what makes you happy. I think that's the most important thing. Absolutely. Absolutely agree. Hitomi, it's a great chat you today. Where can listeners go and learn more about you? They could find me at umi underscore goods on Instagram. Hey thanks for listening to this episode of Shaping Your Pottery with Nick Torres. If you want to master the art of pottery and dive deeper into the techniques of the potters I interview I created a newsletter that does just that. It dives deep into the techniques of the potters I interview. If you want to learn more go to shapingyourpottery.com forward slash newsletter or click the link in the description to learn more.