This month meet Alesia Allen, the artist behind the ever popular ceramics from Gilded Sun Studio. Her ring dishes and trays fly off the shelf this time of year!
We took a moment to catch up with this wonderful artist and find out more about the work she creates.
How did you get started creating your pieces?
I did actually go to art school, but not for ceramics. My degree is actually in fashion design! Back in 2012, I ended up going to an open house at a pottery studio in my hometown in Massachusetts and ended up talking a lot with one of the studio owners. I found out she was offering classes, so I signed up for an intro to handbuilding class and fell in love with ceramics. After taking a few more classes, I just kept going. It wasn't long into the first class before I realized that this was going to be my life, like I had finally found my calling. I'll admit I was a little lost in life at the point I started taking those classes and I really don't know where I'd be today if I hadn't randomly decided to check out that open house. Life is funny that way.
What’s the favorite part of your work/what you make?
I try to make pieces with a sense of fun, whimsy and sometimes humor. Also I find with ceramics, there can be a meditative quality to working with clay, when I get into a groove of making... sometimes I'm making dozens of the same thing in a day, and I really find comfort in getting into that groove.
How do you express your creativity through your work?
I have always been a person who likes bright colors, bold patterns, whimsy and cute things; that is definitely reflected in my work.
What brings you joy?
Puppies! Haha... seriously, though...I have a deep love of animals and my rescue dog Finley brings joy and laughs into my life every day. I find watching cute/funny animal videos on Instagram to be a great stress reliever!
What challenge(s) have you overcome?
In all honesty, on a daily basis, trying to function efficiently with ADHD is incredibly challenging. I'm definitely more forgiving of myself when I am not as productive as I want to be than I was before getting diagnosed. Like a lot of women, I didn't receive a diagnosis until I was in my 30's. When I was growing up in the 80's and 90's ADHD was primarily considered to be rambunctious little boys who couldn't stay in their seats and often interrupted class. In contrast, I was the little girl sitting in the back of my classroom staring out the window, "daydreaming" and doodling in my notebook, struggling to pay attention. I still struggle with my symptoms on a regular basis and I'm still navigating how to best function, but at least now I have a much better understanding of ADHD and how it affects me. I have been able to employ a few strategies to help and online support groups have been invaluable!
Anything exciting in the works/coming up for you?
Right now, this is the busiest time of the year for me! October, November and December are crazy busy trying to produce enough inventory for my local art and craft shows, stocking some local Phoenix shops and trying to get stuff into my Etsy shop!
What do you wish for the world?
For more people to act with kindness towards others. To have more empathy for others, to realize that we're all more alike than we are different. To realize everyone else has struggles and to be patient.
To be more self aware about our impact in the world, how much damage can be done with thoughtless and cruel words/actions.
Shop their collection of items at MADE :)