Life and Work with Alyson Iwamoto

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyson Iwamoto.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve worked in clay for over 20 years. I even went to college and received a degree in ceramics everything came into focus the first time I went to Japan. I got off the plane and the first thing I saw was a ceramic wall piece and I knew I was home. Clay has a long history in Japan. I taught ceramics at a non-profit, Inner-City Arts, located in Skid Row. There I taught over 8,000 children and I told the kids every day to use their imagination and follow their dreams and then after eight years I decided to do exactly that. I decided it was time to get back to my art.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road is long and I’ve learned so much along the way. Being a small business, artist/designer and mother is a lot. I think it’s important to remember that most everyone is struggling to make a living. Believe in yourself and go for it! Looking back, I should have hired a part time assistant much earlier on. We work together just once a month and it is tremendously helpful. I do everything myself from designing, physically making each piece, bookkeeping, social media and taking out the trash. Collaborations are very popular and I think it is important to know who you are collaborating with because not only will you be working with them, you’re actually going into business together. I have been very fortunate my current collaboration is with Cindy Zell of WKNDLA. I’m making custom porcelain beads for her stunning wall-hangings.

Please tell us about Alyson Iwamoto Ceramics.
I make ceramic jewelry and sculptures it may not appear at first glance that they’re made by the same person. My jewelry is very clean and tight down to the millimeter and my sculptures are free and whimsical that is how I find balance in my work. Definitely my Japanese heritage and L.A. roots deeply influence what I make. Some of my jewelry is inspired by my Grandma’s teacups while other pieces draw inspiration from the California desert and Japanese folk art. I studied at Cal State Long Beach and received a degree in ceramics. I use the information I learned in school to make custom glazes and make my own clay in order to set myself apart. Glaze calculation is where art and science meet. There is a lot of trial and error involved.

Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
We are stronger together. There is an amazing and deep community of women makers and small business owners. It’s important to reach out, find your community and we will always support one another.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alysoniwamoto.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: alysoniwamotoceramics

Image Credit:
Alyson Iwamoto, Cindy Zell and Mary Beierle

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.