My Interview With PresenceofColor

I am very proud to introduce to you to PresenceofColor.

Her ceramics and art work are just really amazing!

Please tell us about yourself and your background?

My name is Miya, I grew up and went to University in Montreal, Quebec. I come from a wonderful supportive family and have 3 darling and inspiring sisters. Over ten years ago, I felt the magnetic energy of New York City deep in my bones. I moved here to be closer to art, theatre, music, great food and a world of constant color, diversity and vibrancy. I live in Brooklyn, with my wife (not yet legal in NY). We love waking up early and hanging out in the city’s many farmers’ markets, taking photos of graffiti and street art, and collecting finds at flea markets and stoop sales. I’ve been taking on many non-linear life paths over the course of my 34 years. Teacher, personal assistant, graphic designer and now Cheese monger! I think of myself primarily as an artist. I’ve worked in many mediums and am always looking for the next exciting project or workshop to propel me into a creative frenzy! I’ve been working with ceramics and porcelain for about 10 years and was drawn to glass and glassblowing shortly after that. Last summer I took a printmaking class and was so excited to branch out into the 2D art world. There is so much out there to create, the ideas often keep me up at night!

Can you tell us a bit about your work and how did you start your etsy shop?

I like to think of my work as different than the average ceramics and glass art. I love color and organic shapes. I love thinking of inventive forms for functional pieces. When I started selling my art, it was primarily to friends and family and through word of mouth. I began working with ceramics, watercolor and charcoal. I worked on commissioned pieces for weddings and other gift-worthy events. I began glassblowing about 7 years ago and was very drawn to the challenges of the medium and the new world it opened up to me creatively. Coming home to a tiny NY apartment with lots of glassware and ceramics began to take a toll on my living space. I heard about etsy through a friend and was encouraged to open a shop and try to sell my art to a larger market. I’ve met some great people through etsy and through the etsy team (The {NewNew} Etsy Street Team) that I have been involved with here in New York.

What usually sparks of an idea?

So many different things spark ideas for creativity! I keep a sketchbook by my side at all time and am often inspired when I least expect to be. Textile design, typography, photography, vintage clothes inspire me. I look around the streets for old books, 1940’s magazines, thrown away chairs waiting for a fresh coat of bright pink paint, bags of fabric scraps, old record jackets, and other fabulous finds to add to the collection. I love living in New York and I feel that it inspires me to constantly think about my surroundings. If I didn’t have to work to make a living, I would create art all day and night. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?!

Please tell us about your latest products.

I have been working on a line of new ceramics and porcelain jewelry. It’s a combination of ceramic pendants with various metal and stone charms and findings. Also in the making, inspired by my new foray into the world of artisanal cheese, cheese plates and boards made of brown and red clays, embossed with quirky cheese names and other fun details. I hope to have up on my etsy shop a collection of ceramic houses that can be used both as decorative pieces and functional vases (one is currently in my shop!)