GETTING TO KNOW OUR STUDIOS: EP9 Siera Matsuo Ceramics

STUDIO NAME

Siera Matsuo Ceramics

Your Name

Siera Matsuo

When/how/why was your studio founded?

Siera Matsuo Ceramics was founded in November 2018 after a realization that I didn’t want to be in the science industry anymore. After I left grad school to backpack through Japan solo for a couple of months. Throughout my travels, I was constantly in awe of the beautiful ceramic vessels that permeated every aspect of Japanese culture –– from the perfectly imperfect chawan used in Japanese tea ceremonies, a beautiful donabe (hot pot) filled with the seasons freshest ingredients, a shuki (sake set) shared with friends in a crowded no-name bar. It’s these images of intimate moments that I keep in mind when crafting each piece. I decided to focus on these organic compositions into my collection as a way to ground myself to my culture, even when not being there.

Who or what inspires your process?

Growing up in Hawaii I was lucky to be immersed in nature from an early age. I think part of the reason I love ceramics so much is because clay comes from the earth. Throughout my process I think of ways to highlight the clay’s natural characteristics as much as possible. This means that a lot of my work has a good amount of exposed (unglazed) clay, a tactile reminder to the user of the origins of their piece.

Daily ritual?

A morning person at heart, my daily ritual involves starting the day with a hot cup of coffee or tea, no matter the weather. I try to be as intentional as possible because my morning mood usually dictates how the rest of my day will go. The slow process of grinding my beans for french press or sifting/whisking my matcha feels like meditation for me. Mornings are special to me because I feel as if I am the only one up while the rest of the world is sleeping. I find the cool air and the silence very comforting.

Favorite item in your studio?

Although he isn’t an item or even for sale, my puppy Kuppi is my all time favorite in the studio. He’s always there on my lap or underneath my wheel watching me diligently. If I’m having a bad work day he’ll make it better with cuddles, walks, and fetch.

Favorite nerd hobby or interest? 

I’m not really sure if this is considered a nerd hobby, but I absolutely love bouldering. Climbers can get pretty nerdy with climbing; they even have their own lingo that can be hard to decipher if you aren’t a climber. I love how pure the sport is. You have to really focus your mind, push down your fears, and channel your strength to get yourself up a boulder without any equipment. It’s exercise without feeling like it and I get to be outside in nature.

Describe your studio+work in 3 words:

Intentional, minimalist, natural  

Biggest hurdle you've overcome thus far?

The biggest hurdle I’ve overcome so far in my early career is leaving my old studio. I worked for a studio in Seattle and the owner was oppressive. The environment was so bad the members and employees felt uncomfortable. It took awhile for me to leave, but I was able to create my own space in a friend’s garage. After leaving I realized how my previous situation zapped my creativity and energy. I’m so grateful for my new space!

Book, movie, song, or meal that describes your studio ethos?

The Beauty of Everyday Things by Soetsu Yanagi is the perfect book to describe my studio ethos. Everyone should read this book if they have the chance. The author writes about how everyday objects should be made with care, built to last, and be treated with respect and affection. With every single piece I make, I have these intentions in mind. The world is so cluttered with fast fashion and cheaply made objects, I want to make products people will love for a lifetime.

Are you launching any new products? Or have something exciting you want us to share?

If you’ve been following my Instagram account it might not be that new for you, but I have been working on designing compost bins since the beginning of this year. It’s taken a lot of prototyping to get the design just right. Creating the lid was a challenge as I wanted to be able to fit a carbon filter inside to eliminate any odors. I’m super excited to launch these. Now zerowasters can have the option of displaying their lovely compost bins out on their countertops.