Meet Trailblazer Pawena Thimaporn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pawena Thimaporn.

Pawena spent her childhood in the countryside of Thailand surrounded by nature. Her usual day, when not in school, was playing with the materials she found in nature around her – wooden sticks, clay, and mud.

Growing up on a farm, Pawena would often help her mother make things by hand, and it was here that she first learned to crochet, sew and embroider. For Pawena, the feeling of working with her hands still transports her back to that time and brings her comfort.

Pawena began her career studying Industrial Design with a major in Ceramics at KMITL in Bangkok, Thailand. She then moved to the United States and completed an additional undergraduate degree in Graphic Design at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA.

Since graduating 15 years ago, Pawena has been working full time in the design industry, but has always made sure to find time to make things by hand outside of work to keep her true passion alive. She recently had the opportunity to return to her first love of ceramic design with the founding of Pawena Studio in 2015.

Pawena lives and works in Los Angeles with her husband, also a graphic designer, and her two boys.

Great, 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?
It has been challenging – especially the first three years, when I was mainly still trying to figure things out. Things are better now and I finally feel like everything will be alright!

It has been difficult for someone like me, who has no previous experience or interest in the business side of things, to transition to be on my own and do everything by myself. For many years, I worked full-time and was used to getting a set paycheck every two weeks, but now, my way of working is different. I am still learning about so many things I don’t know while trying to create work at the same time.

My bit of advice is: if you find your passion and know that that is what you want to do every day and you cannot see yourself doing anything else, just keep on trying! Don’t rush, but don’t stop! Work hard and be honest to yourself and others. I am lucky to have very supportive family members and friends who are always there for me when I need them. So, whenever you feel like you cannot continue, reach out to others for support. Believe in yourself and create more work!

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I make handmade ceramics. All of my pieces are hand thrown and hand painted. Each piece was made with care and love in my home studio. At the moment, I am focusing on making functional pieces. I like that my work becomes part of people’s lives and something they can use every day. I usually keep my form simple and play with different design and color palettes.

The piece I am most proud of is an urn I made for [the ashes of] my friend’s mother. It is so personal; knowing that what I made will become a new home for someone means so much to me.

Which women have inspired you in your life?
My mother who taught me that life is very simple and we shouldn’t be too serious about it.

My friend, Tanya, who is a Buddhist nun in Thailand. She inspires me to study and learn more about Buddhist teachings.

My middle school art teacher, Miss Kranjana. She is the one who I think make me find my passion for art.

Contact Info:

• Website: pawenastudio.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: pawenastudio
• Facebook: pawenastudio
• Twitter: pawenastudio

Image Credit:
Pawena Thimaporn, Felicia Manning, David Sotelo

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