Today we’d like to introduce you to Jumie Ra.
Hi Jumie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Being a first generation, Korean American with immigrant parents, financial stability was essential in selecting a professional pursuit. Though this idea was ingrained at a very young age, I was also surrounded with art and building with my hands before I realized a career in the arts was a real and sustainable possibility. Both my parents, very practical, kept creative hobbies. My mom was a painter and my dad was a natural builder and landscaper. With this home environment, the love to create and art began and remained a constant part of my life.
Ceramics was first introduced in college while I finalized my design portfolio and degree in graphic design. My initial dream was to build a design studio working with beauty packaging. I took full advance of other art classes offered as a way to bring new perspectives into my design work which also became my creative escape from countless hours in front of the computer. I found myself spending longer nights and weekends finishing pieces for my ceramic class. It quickly became my source for recharge.
While ambitiously building my design business of 10 years, ceramics remained as my calming therapy. I did wonder what a career in ceramics could look like but feared I would eventually lose the joy in ceramics as a job and secondly, I was challenged with my childhood idea of the “struggling artist”.
The year 2016 became a monumental year for me as it was the year I made the decision to pursue ceramics as a business rather than a hobby. The opportunity found me in that I was approached by an editor from the New York Times to feature my work in their May 2016 Mother’s Day/Pet issue highlighting my “Food and Water” pet bowls. Orders came in waves and I was making and learning the business of ceramics at record pace while still keeping a demanding full-time primary job during this time. To say I barely survived is an understatement. Production was fully in progress and I found myself moving into a new studio space. It feels like a dream now just thinking about it.
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?
I’ve been told there is no such thing as “the perfect time” and that it shows up unexpectedly and moves you forward whether you feel ready or not. My first opportunity in the start of my ceramic business came in the form of a giant yet loving push with the support of an amazing editor from the New York Times. My circumstances then were far from ready to take on such a challenge but looking back, that push was exactly what I needed. My second opportunity in my creative journey came in the form of a long overdue decision to make MY perfect time in 2021 to go full-time with ceramics. It so happened to be during the the least reassuring moment in the world: the Pandemic!
Since my last feature with VoyageLA in 2019, a lot has changed. The world pandemic has challenged many of us to rethink how we want to live our lives. Many new businesses were started, existing businesses were forced to pivot or close down, and boldness to follow our passions emerged. Like many small business owners, I was juggling multiple full-time jobs that required long hours and creative output. But my time eventually came where I had to choose one primary focus in fear of losing what I worked so hard to keep. This meant I was leaving a stable, full-time job for an unpredictable one during a time when the world economy, availability of supplies and shopping behaviors were very uncertain.
Though Jumie Ceramics began in 2016, 2021 was the year I took my life changing leap. Pursuing a full-time business in ceramics was a dream come true for me but not without fears, endless long nights and many trial and errors in production on a larger scale. It’s a different kind of hustle and drive when your sole income relies on handmade goods. The speed of creating sufficient inventory without sacrificing quality and your design aesthetics is a constant challenge. As also a designer, the handcrafted details and concepts in my work is a priority which often competes with time to produce. Faster methods to thoughtfully hand make is a constant work in progress.
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?
With my background in Graphic Design, I have a penchant for letter forms, embossed textures and overall visual messages. As a full-time ceramic artist, I handcraft functional ceramic ware and planters to be memorable in your everyday moments. I am most known for my “Statement Ware”, which is a collection expressed with bold, hand-lettered typography. The words “BADASS”, “TODAY WAS A GOOD DAY” or “FOOD” and “WATER” (for the pet bowls), fill the entire surface of each vessel in tightly kerned characters to create bold/abstract images using letterforms. It conveys an empowering visual statement and reminder for your day. With each piece meticulously hand painted or hand carved in fine details, each item is uniquely one-of-a-kind. I believe daily, functional objects should feel special and, in the wise words of Marie Kondo, “bring you joy”.
Future ceramic collections will contain embossed characters in braille and references from my Korean Heritage. I hope to bring more insight to these cherished areas of my life through my work. I am truly excited to share!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Los Angeles has many large and intimate pop-up markets to meet and network with different small businesses and creatives in every industry categories each with diverse backgrounds. It’s been a rewarding opportunity for me to connect with other founders/brands directly, as a vendor and as a shopper, at these curated events. It can also provide a less intimidating atmosphere to introduce yourself and see their collection of work for potential learning/mentoring opportunities. It can serve as an inspiring moment to enjoy different cultures and stories of each brand.
A few markets to check out in Los Angeles are: the beautifully curated Unique Markets in downtown Los Angeles, celebrate Korean/AAPI brands with Maum Market, meet BIPOC businesses at In Todo Market, enjoy the outdoors at Renegade Crafts held at Los Angeles State Historic Park in Chinatown, indulge in all the good vibes at Good Hands Market, check out the Art District Market for a cool and intimate shopping experience, visit Creative Communal perfect for the whole family, and the grand West Coast Crafts, just to name a few.
Contact Info:
- Website: jumieceramics.com
- Instagram: @jumieceramics
- Other: https://linktr.ee/JumieCeramics
Image Credits
Feature Photo by: Hyun Lee @sohyunimages , Studio Photo by: Ren Kwon @can.pictures , Market Photo by: Christine @hwangceramics
