At Utah Stories we like to take a deeper look into the lives of our local makers and artists to learn why they chose the difficult path rather than the much easier corporate lifestyle.
We had a pleasure to ask Adriana Serdán Vázquez the owner of Ceramica Artistica ASV a few questions.
Adriana Serdán Vázquez describes herself as “a potter”, she continued, “I work with high-temperature white clay and prepare my glazes from formulas I have researched and tested over time.” Every item Vázquez produces is handmade with coils or on the potter’s wheel. Her hand-decorated pieces are either carved or painted with cobalt paint, freehand without the use of decals or stencils.
Vázquez has been working with clay for almost 30 years. Ever since she finished her studies at the Escuela de Cerámica y Porcelana de Toluca outside of Mexico City. About two years ago, she moved to Utah and it just made sense to keep doing what she loves.
Despite Utah’s love for cheap crap, It seemed to Vázquez that, here in U.S., there is a greater appreciation for things that are handmade. However, she adds, there are more potters here in the Salt Lake Valley than there were in Mexico. What sold well there doesn’t necessarily sell well here. Therefore, she has had to adapt her style and my products for a Utah market.
In producing, each cup or plate or object of daily use, Vázquez says she needs to feel a presence which transmits the pleasure of touch into the object she is creating. She feels the best gift we can give, to ourselves or to others, is a thing that makes life more beautiful.
Vázquez pieces can be found for sale in the gift shop of the Museum of Contemporary Art. she also sells at the Downtown Arts and Crafts Market in Pioneer Park in the summertime and participate in craft fairs and sales throughout the state. I also have an Etsy Shop.
Vázquez says her goal in five year is to sell her pieces in the finest art galleries in the state. She says that her support comes from her spouse. “She’s very supportive and she handles all the administrative details that I don’t have either the time or the inclination to do.”
In advising potential or aspiring artists, Vázquez says, “ We need to follow our passions, never lose focus, and have patience and persistence.”
Love pottery?
Check our story on: Randi Lile, Ceramics Artist of Red Kiln Pottery
