Rising Stars: Meet Em Stevens of Denver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Em Stevens

Hi Em, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Pazful Designs, LLC was started by myself (and approved by my rescue dogs Bubba and Luna) when I realized I wanted to turn my love of pottery into my profession. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in both Business Administration and Studio Art from the University of Vermont. While in art school I concentrated in creating 3D art. My introduction to ceramics came about unexpectedly when I stumbled upon a community pottery studio while living in Austin, Texas. Before the first class was even finished I knew making ceramics was my future. I attribute my skills, knowledge, and passion for clay to the numerous community studios I have taken classes at both in Texas and Colorado.

I have mainly focused on crafting unique functional art pieces that are inspired by geometry and repetition. My motivation for creating art is maintaining my own level of happiness, and I believe if my art can also bring joy to others then I have succeeded as an artist.

Looking forward, I aim to expand my ceramic education by exploring more organic, non-functional forms. While I enjoy making functional art, I believe there is also an innate beauty in making art simply for art’s sake.

Pazful Designs exists in Denver, CO and remains committed to creating art for all people to enjoy. Outside of my work, I enjoy exploring Denver with the dogs, trying new restaurants, and visiting local art galleries. I bartend on the side while I pursue my dream of being a full time, successful, HAPPY, self-employed artist.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a self-employed artist I would say the biggest challenges I have faced are time management, financial pressure, consistency, and building up my confidence.

While I continuously work towards being fully self-employed as an artist, I have always had one to two jobs at the same time while getting my art career off the ground. The trade off between successes, opportunities, and learned lessons can often be tiring, if not sometimes disheartening when the lessons and obstacles appear to be more frequent than the successes.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My art looks like a vibrant explosion of clay, creativity, and color. It’s taken years for me to bring the art that exists in my head out into the world and it’s something that I am incredibly proud of. I enjoy creating work that is both playful and tactile. I fully believe that my work typically screams, “Touch me!” when it is first seen, and let’s be honest functional pottery is best enjoyed through touch.

In the future I would love to find the balance in my art where I can create both functional art such as coffee mugs or ceramic vases and work on other artistic passions such as painting, glass, or metalsmithing.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Here’s an edited version of your text:

One of the most surprising aspects of my ceramic journey is how it all began in a small community studio. In college, I took a ceramics class but barely put in any effort throughout the semester. I had always imagined myself creating large-scale paintings for upscale galleries, never thinking I’d represent myself or sell my own work online—let alone become a ceramic artist. When I first stepped into that community studio, I knew almost nothing about clay. But by the end of that initial class, I realized I wanted to dedicate my life to mastering this art form. Working with clay has brought me immense joy and, at times, deep frustration, but I’m excited to keep pushing myself into new creative directions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pazfuldesigns.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pazfuldesigns/profilecard/?igsh=NW03ZjRyb28xNm1q
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pazfuldesigns?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: https://www.threads.net/@pazfuldesigns?hl=en

Image Credits
Jenna Noelle Photography