HI! I AM AYAT.
Your Local Pottery Artist and Educator
"Creating with clay, connecting with the Earth, & contributing to global reforestation, one piece at a time."
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PRESENT - BRINGING A VISION TO LIFE
Here in the heart of San Diego, I've established an eco-friendly, nature inspired pottery studio. This is a place where people of this vibrant community can connect, learn, and grow.
In my studio, students have access to an efficient workspace equipped with everything they need - pottery wheels, an array of glazes, and kiln firings. Whether they're seasoned artists or stepping into the pottery scene for the first time, there's room for everyone to unlock their creativity, free from fear or pressure.
Keeping true to my commitment to sustainability, every aspect of the studio is designed with the environment in mind. Here, we're not just making pottery - we're building a community, inspiring creativity, and making a difference.
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2020 - 2022 TEACHING AND FOSTERING COMMUNITY
My journey took an exciting turn in 2020, when I began teaching pottery at various local studios in San Diego. I cultivated a teaching style focused on helping newcomers find their footing, demystifying the process, and creating an environment where students could explore and express themselves without fear.
Parallel to my teaching journey, I became an active participant in San Diego's vibrant artist community, supporting local events, and forming valuable connections with fellow artists. I believe in the power of community, and that the inspiration and support it offers are invaluable.
2018 BIRTH OF AN EARTH-INSPIRED VISION
In 2018, my commitment to pottery and the environment converged into a new venture. I launched my online store, offering a range of earth-inspired ceramics - mugs, bowls, planters, custom orders, and more. As a commitment to the environment, every piece sold is paired with the planting of a tree, tying the creation of my pottery to the healing of our planet.
2015-2017 HONING SKILLS, CREATING CONNECTIONS
Post-graduation, I decided to give back to the community that had sparked my passion for pottery by volunteering at my old high school. One of my most cherished memories from this period was the "Empty Bowls" event organized by Mr. Stout. Students would create ceramic bowls, and then a simple meal would be served. Guests could purchase a bowl to keep, a tangible reminder of the persisting hunger issues in the world. Their donations in exchange for the meal and bowl would go entirely to food shelters in San Diego County.
The highlight of preparing for this event was "Midnight Bowling," a night brimming with intense creativity where students would make multiple bowls on the wheel from 11pm to 6am. These events encapsulated the spirit of community, creativity, and charity that has since become a cornerstone of my own journey in pottery. At the same time, I began to experiment with my own designs, selling unique, handcrafted pieces on Etsy.
2015 DISCOVERING A PASSION AND A MENTOR
As a senior in San Marcos High School, I found myself drawn to the world of pottery. It was under the guidance of my pottery teacher, Mr. Stout, that I discovered the transformative power of clay. The process of converting raw earth into functional, beautiful objects ignited a passion that I hadn't known before.
I didn't know then that Mr. Stout's nurturing teaching style and connection to the earth would stick with me for years to come. His tireless dedication to supporting each student in their journey was inspiring, leading many, including myself, down a path towards a pottery career.
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My goal as a teacher is to make pottery accessible, enjoyable, and therapeutic. I want my students to feel the same sense of awe and fulfillment I experienced in my first pottery class. I'm committed to creating an atmosphere where anyone, regardless of experience, can create, experiment, and express themselves through the medium of clay.
AYAT'S TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
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Creating pottery is about connecting with the Earth. Each piece I create and sell comes with a promise - a tree planted in return. This commitment extends to every aspect of my work, including my creation of an eco-friendly pottery studio. Together, we create and preserve, one piece of pottery, one tree at a time.
COMMITMENT TO THE EARTH
