Being able to meet Andy and Nydia through Instagram and having them for my first event about 2 years and seeing them at different events since then. Well it's been 2 years and they have opened Clay Valley Studio. That's crazy, huh? Well as the artists who work in the art and crafting of clay it just feels fitting. Fitting in a sense for these artists to share their craft with others allowing them to try something new. Something I look forward to trying as well. I look forward to seeing in you in the beginner class and eventually the intermediate class!
Before we begin here are some shoutouts from Andy and Nydia,
@Bandera Coffee, @ 7th & Park, Jessica @jessdflavor, ABI SPI @artbusinessincubator
Raheleh, Chuma, Alex & Rachel @ComminosStudio & Mr.Walford Campbell
We begin by asking what got them interested in creating/opening their own studio?
Andy)I missed the creative environment that I experienced at UTRGV and the motivation I had working alongside artists devoted to their art. I wanted to provide a space to share with other ceramic artists and give opportunities for the community to learn about the art of our craft.
Nydia) We know how hard it is to have access to the type of equipment you need to make ceramics. I really wanted to provide access to the process of ceramics to the general public and once Andy and I got to talking about goals we had in mind we knew we both wanted a studio space for ceramic artists.
When Andy mentions how he missed the creative environment it reminded how much I much I missed UTRGV Radio after I graduated. Things just weren't the same for me. It's cool to see that Andy and Nydia took the initiative to create this creative environment. I've never made something out of clay like from what I see in the pictures and it just looks so fun! When Nydia mentions the access of equipment it reminds me of when Carla Hughes also mentioned the equipment needed for ceramics. Even just being inside Carla's studio and seeing all the projects. I can't imagine how long it all takes, but y'all out here really doing it for us <3
How did the idea come to be and what were the steps to get this in motion as they say,
Both: We had been vending for about a year and the support we received from the community encouraged us to open the studio. We found the space through a posting online and immediately got in touch with the owner. At that point we had been looking at places for a few months and we had a good idea of the space we were looking for. It took us about two months to get all the paperwork finished and the studio ready. The studio is still a work in progress but we’re very happy with how far we’ve come.
I mean y'all moved FAST, but I get it. If you don't do it now and just kept talking about it moves wouldn't have been made. A work in progress and progress is always welcomed.
What would their goal/mission be by teaching others the art of ceramics by hosting workshops and pottery classes as they say,
Both) We want to help grow the ceramic community in the valley, and provide a space for emerging artists. Making ceramics takes teamwork- the whole process of getting the clay ready to loading a kiln. This art form needs you to be able to work with others and by doing so it creates a sense of unity and belonging. By hosting these classes and workshops we hope people find these connections with their work or with others.
Man it really is much more than what you see in the pics. We tend to see the process or the finished product, but as they say "this art form needs you to be able to work with others." Due to the process as they mention. It's more than just what you think a "pottery class" may be. You go for the craft, but the fun had with others most importantly.
How have the first classes been since the opening? What has the reception/feedback been thus far?
Both) We’ve had a good reception so far and have hosted people across the valley- all the way from Edinburg to Brownsville. We have received requests for different kinds of classes, sculpture, hand building and studio memberships.
We’re still working on preparing the studio to offer membership and new classes, we’ll be sharing updates once we are ready.
I mean I'm from Palmview and I want to go. I just need to take a moment to just set time aside and do something new such as one of their workshops. The drive would certainly be worth it. I mean heck I've drive to Brownsville for an art exhibition. Pottery here we come! With the progress mentioned they give us sneak peaks of "memberships" and "new classes" but more to be tole as time comes.
While clay valley studio has been open for about a month and some days how do they wish to keep going and providing to the community?
Both) We want to continue to invest into the studio, and attain more equipment so we are able to offer more kinds of classes. There are so many techniques to explore and we’d like to introduce them to everyone. We’d also like to provide a space for artists that are already established to work and store their art supplies.
We’ll continue to provide the pottery classes, glaze workshops and hand-building sessions as introductory courses you can take to get comfortable with the material.
Now they got me wondering on the techniques for sure! With one month in they got so much planned ahead. Gotta keep going for sure. That's cool to think about a space for "artists" like for them to display their work or? Well, we shall see.
What can people expect by joining your classes? Especially for those who may be
curious/interested in what could be said?
Both) We really want to encourage everyone to try out a pottery class. Do not feel discouraged, we’ll walk you through the process step by step. We start with a demonstration and then students sit down and take things slowly. We’dbe more than happy to share more information during our Open House, and people can come by and familiarize themselves with the space as well before signing up for a class.
I'm ready for that pottery class. I want to go with the homies so bad! I want to experience the mess and the molding. The entire process. I write on my free time. I like to write sappy love poems, but I'm always looking to create with my hands. I think about the last time I've created with my hands. From a makeshift birthday card, legos, uh I don't remember too much and it shouldn't be that way! We should definitely take a moment to create with our hands. We should definitely be creative one way or another. Sign up for that beginner class!
Do you remember your very own first pieces of ceramics/pottery created as students to how you've made it to a point to where you are now as the teachers? How does that feel?
A) Andy: I remember finishing my first ceramic sculpture and knowing I would be doing this for a long time. It feels good to introduce other people to ceramics and show to them they have the ability to create in this medium too.
B) Nydia: Not necessarily my first ceramic pieces but I do have a memory of me playing with some soil on the lot in front of my mom's house. I was playing with some neighborhood kids and my younger sister and we were sculpting things out of the mud. I remember making an Elvis head upon request of my friend's mom and a flower for mine. Later on in one of my ceramic classes with Prof Raheleh, we were learning how to “process” or clean the soil you’d find in your backyard. I then found out that the dirt all around my house is almost 90% clay. Eventually I’d like to introduce this process to our community of ceramicists- and similar to Andy, after working with clay I knew I wanted to keep working with it.
It's interesting how one thing leads to another. From experiences at home and creating your piece. What one things leads to. Did they ever think it'd lead to this? Teaching others a new craft or to master a craft their students now in their classes are taking. I remember playing with my mud with my first dog Chief. Thanks for that core memory Nydia.
What are the differences between the beginner and the intermediate courses?
Both)Our beginner classes are for those with little to no experience.
An intermediate course is for students who want to improve their throwing and trimming skills.
I'll see you guys at the beginner classes! :)
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