Daily Inspiration: Meet Tami Tamayo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tami Tamayo.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
During the pandemic I was working mostly from home while raising three kids with my husband. Unfortunately we both lost work during this time so we both decided to go back to school while homeschooling our kids. I was working as a life coach and went to school to study psychology. After a year into my courses I started to feel burnt out with my studies and decided to take a Ceramics Class at Aurora Community College. It was exactly what I needed at that time in my life. I had always gravitated towards art but struggled to find a medium that captivated my busy mind. It was both challenging and relaxing at the same time. It quickly became a passion for me and I decided to change my degree to become an Art Major. Unfortunately I was no longer able to continue there and had to transfer across town to Arapahoe Community College. I started there in 2023 and took a mold making class which was something I had always wanted to do. I quickly adjusted to the new environment and became part of the Ceramic community. There happened to be an opening for a studio assistant position and I was lucky enough to get it. I had no prior experience but I can now say that it was one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. I learned so much about Ceramics from the instructors and from students that had taken classes there for decades. I was able to continue my studies and practice in between my studio tasks. That spring I joined the Arapahoe Ceramics Guild where potters and ceramic artists sell their work. My first sale was as an “Immerging artist” and I was amazed that people actually wanted to buy my ceramics! I had worked really hard to learn how to make functional pottery by throwing on the wheel. It was something that I wasn’t naturally good at. The movement felt so foreign to me and I felt like I had so little control over the clay. I was determined to figure out how to center the clay which probably took me a year to learn. I had to let go of things being perfect. I embraced the Japanese idea of “wabi sabi,” which is the idea of finding beauty in the imperfections. Even now I embrace my pots as being perfectly imperfect. With each piece I have learned a new skill or bettered a practice, all the while allowing them to find homes where people cherish them.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a kid growing up art was something I loved doing. My mother was an artist and always encouraged me and my siblings to be creative, I loved doing art in school but I didn’t see a future where I could pursue art as a career. I had to give it up to focus on my studies. After meeting my husband and raising our kids I found it hard to create while being a mom of three. I did find an outlet with photography and started working as a photographer. When I went back to school I never thought I would end up working on an Art Degree. I was so lucky to have supportive people in my life. I spent hours and hours on projects. It was challenging to be in school while working and having a family. It took me a long time to graduate with my AFA. After I graduated I had to start all over. I decided not to continue with my BFA and decided to pursue Ceramics full time. I spent months looking for studio jobs in the area. I had nowhere to fire my work. I felt hopeless. My passion was waning. Luckily I found a studio position as an assistant to a local ceramic artist (Tina Suszynski) at Tejon Art Studio. I also was accepted into a co-op called Castle Clay. It was a new environment but I was able to find my stride again.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work is mostly functional pottery with added sculptural and surface design elements. I draw most of my inspiration from my cultural background. I’m a first generation American, I’m half French and half Japanese. I grew up with many different cultural influences. I’m drawn towards Japanese style animations and often use them in my work. It can have a very light and playful aesthetic that brings me a lot of joy and puts a smile on people’s faces. I try to change the surface of my pots so that they are more 3 dimensional. I spend a lot of time putting detail in my work. I like to think people feel what you put into a piece when they pick it up or use it. I’m most proud of my journey up until this point. There were definitely highs and lows but overall I’ve found my passion in life. I get to make pots that bring joy to people. It makes me so happy seeing people using my mugs for example. I finally get to make art and have found a path to pursue it for many years to come.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I used to compare myself a lot. I never felt like I was the best artist in the room. What I love about clay and the communities that I’ve been in is that no two potters are alike. We may use the same medium and tools but what we create is unique. I learned to practice and develop my craft without having to compare myself to anyone else. I know what I do is different any my own and I’m really proud of that.

Pricing:

• $50.00
• $30.00

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tamitamayo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamitamayo/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tami-tamayo-295830181/

Image Credits
Sung Min Tamayo