Story & Lesson Highlights with Anna Shipulina of Los Angeles

We recently had the chance to connect with Anna Shipulina and have shared our conversation below.

Anna, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Reading fiction books before bed! A year ago, a functional nutritionist I worked with recommended that I start reading fiction books before going to sleep, as a cortisol management protocol we were working on. I didn’t read fiction books for years, probably since the time I was pregnant. I switched to parenting books first, then came self-development and so on, but I completely forgot the pleasure of getting lost in a good story. The added benefit of decreasing cortisol was a nice bonus.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an artist working primarily with ceramics. As an independent artist, I’m also running the business side of my practice, which is challenging at times but also feels like a superpower. Over the years I’ve learned how to build a website, grow a social media presence, manage client communication, sales, packaging and so much more.

I tried ceramics for the first time about five years ago, when I was rediscovering myself after immigration, working in my husband’s business, and motherhood. From the moment I touched clay, I had a feeling that I would come back to it. It felt intriguing, grounding, and completely new to me, I had never worked with my hands before.

When it comes to ceramics, I make everything slowly and intentionally with just a few simple tools. My process is rooted in traditional hand-building methods: coiling, pinching, shaping and letting the clay guide me. I work closely with the material, responding to how it moves and how it wants to be formed. I love leaving the clay raw or minimally glazed so its natural texture, imperfections, and character stay visible. For me it’s a conversation where the clay leads, and I follow.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child I had the feeling that I wasn’t good with my hands. I wasn’t good at art classes. I couldn’t draw realistically, and everything I made looked primitive and embarrassing. We also had girls’ classes where we were taught to sew, which was a disaster too. Growing up, I thought artists were special people with unique abilities, and only a few had that privilege.

That’s why, when I started doing ceramics and people responded positively to the things I created, I couldn’t believe it. “Me? A girl with hands growing from the wrong place,” as my father used to say, “and you like what I do?” It took me time to realize my gift and to step into the full power of my creativity.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are capable! Don’t listen to what people are saying, follow your intuition and your heart, it knows where you should be.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely! Authenticity is one of the most important values for me.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
Working alone in my outdoor studio under the tree, listening to the podcasts or music. Creating intuitively and following the clay.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://annashipulina.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annashipulina_ceramics/

Image Credits
Olga Helga, Julia Kigar