Meet Madeleine Reyes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Madeleine Reyes.

Hi Madeleine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In my last year of college, I took a ceramics class and fell in love. I then went on to start Mad Rey Clay in a communal studio called The Temple of Mediclaytion in Venice Beach, CA and it has blossomed into a small business that has taught me so much about myself and my life as an artist. In 2020 I started teaching co-teaching ceramics classes with my mentor/teacher at that studio and found a love for teaching ceramics.

I moved to Highland Park, Los Angeles in 2021 and converted my garage into my own little studio and it’s been a dream! For the past 6 years, I’ve primarily done custom orders for stores and florists, selling at flea markets and pop-ups and also making different pieces that I’ve felt have spoken most to me. My current obsession has been lamps, so I decided to start making them with my own Mad Rey Clay flare to it. The best feeling is seeing my work in my friend’s and loved ones’ homes and I’m looking forward to see where Mad Rey Clay goes and hoping to see more of that in the future.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course, there have been struggles along the way of my journey as an artist, and a lot of those struggles always stem from the amount of money I am making per piece and getting my name out there. I’ve constantly been doing part-time and contract work to fulfill my passion as an artist, but for the most part, I have felt really lucky with the support system that surrounds me in helping me take my business to the next level and seeing how it can flourish.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a ceramic artist based in LA. I mainly do custom orders but also like to make pieces that speak more to me and sell them at flea markets and pop-ups. I am currently most proud of my lamps, which is my latest collection. They allow me to get creative on the wheel and while hand building, while also bringing a soft warm light into your home, which is the best!

What matters most to you? Why?
My creativity and freedom to do art that I love is something that a cherish most about my work. I’m born and raised in LA, so having my circle of family and friends here has also made it really incredible. I’ve always had dreams of moving out of the country or out of state but though I continue to travel, I always end up right back in LA! It’s a special thing to have a home base where your loved ones will always have your back.

Contact Info:

• Website: madreyclay.com
• Instagram: @madreyclay