HEY FRIEND, WELCOME!
It’s me, Ayana.
(insert virtual forehead kiss here)
My artistic expression is a manifestation of my love for all the little things we get to experience in this life. Sipping on coffee with a friend on a rainy day, collecting treasures while on a walk through the woods, feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin… We so easily overlook all the simple, mundane aspects of life that are actually what make up the vast majority of it. My pottery, I hope, is a reminder to pay attention and notice the little things and to let them bring you joy.
My practice has a primary focus on functional pottery, keeping in mind the sensations one experiences while using it. Aspects like texture, color and weight are things I heavily consider when attempting to draw attention to the user’s sensations and emotions. I want you to not only appreciate its functionality, but also to slow down and notice what you’re seeing, feeling (physically and emotionally) and hearing in the process. This is something I try to do throughout my day as many times and with as many things as possible in an effort to stay grounded, present and grateful for what I get to experience in this life. My ultimate goal is to spread this practice through my art, hopefully adding joy to people’s lives and making the world at least a slightly better place.
Education:
2024 - San Jose State University, San Jose, CA: Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, Minor in Studio Art
2015 - Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center: Associate of Arts - AA, Hebrew Language and Literature
Group Exhibitions:
2025 - Odyssey Clayworks Gallery, Asheville, NC
2024 - Querida Emilia, te cuento… Museo de Arte Costarricense, San Jose, Costa Rica
2023 - Garden to Table Silicone Valley Art Show, San Jose, CA
2023 - Tales From the Scrap Bin, San Jose State University, CA
Work and Design Experience:
2025 - studio assistant, odyssey Clayworks, Asheville, NC
2025 - LEAF GLOBAL ARTS 3rd annual winter solstice market, Asheville, NC
2025 - River arts district farmers market, new Belgium Brewery, Asheville, nc
2025 - north asheville tailgate market holiday bazaar, Asheville, NC
2025 - The big crafty, harrah’s cherokee center, Asheville, NC
2025 - fall for art festival, turgua brewing co, fairview, NC
2025 - Fall Plant Sale and Market, North Carolina arboretum, Asheville, NC
2025 - Treska’s Sizzlin’ Summer bash, flat rock, NC
2025 - BIPOC FARMERS MARKEt, new Belgium Brewery, Asheville, NC
2025 - Uncommon Market Asheville Summer Extravaganza, Asheville, NC
2025 - Art After Dark, revolve, Asheville, NC
2025 - Soil & Sun Studio Spring 2025 collection, Asheville, NC
2025 - sow true seed annual plant sale, Asheville, NC
2024 - Indie craft parade, travelers rest, Sc
2024 - soil & sun studio SUMMER HARVEST COLLECTION, San Jose, ca
2023 - Studio Technician, Higher Fire Studios, San Jose, CA
2023 - Ceramic Wholesale Stockist: The Source Zero, San Jose, CA
2022 - San Jose State University UXUI Association Secretary, San Jose, CA
2022 - Addressing Eco-Anxiety, Graphic Designer, San Jose, CA
2022 - Simply Sustainable Parenting, Graphic Designer, San Jose, CA
2022 - Mary Andrikus Photography, Brand Identity Designer, San Jose, CA
2020 - Social Media Marketing & Content Creator
Curatorial and Blog Experience:
2025 - small space gardening with imagine5
2023 - Ayana’s Guide to a Sustainable Wardrobe
2022 - A Guide to Intentional Gift Giving
Volunteer Experience:
2023 - Farm Intern at Garden to Table Silicon Valley, San Jose, CA
Fellowships, Features & Awards:
2023 - For Days Stusy Sunday Influencer
2021 - Next Generation: Garden Fellowship Program, San Jose State University, CA
2021 - Palm | UGC & Microinfluencer Platform
Bibliography / Published Works:
2025 - Small Space Gardening in 5 Steps with Imagine5
2022 - Ayana Q + A with Zero Waste