Today we’d like to introduce you to Gopi Shah.
Gopi, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My interest in pottery began in high school and continued with college courses in Boston and at local LA community colleges. After graduating college, I worked in health and environmental non-profits throughout LA. My partner got a job in Austin, Texas, and he encouraged me to start my business, which I had been wanting to do for years. I worked under a fantastic mentor who helped me launch my business in 2014.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Gopi Shah Ceramics features a collection of unique handmade ceramics and pottery in Long Beach, California. Inspired by Mesoamerican and Andean art, California natural landscapes, and textiles and prints, Gopi Shah Ceramics combines youthful creativity with craftsmanship to create stoneware pottery that bridges ancient traditions and techniques with the modern world.
Each piece is skillfully designed, mastered, and handcrafted to create a lifelong keepsake laden with rich stories of history and use. Objects can have significance and meaning, and I hope each one of my pieces brings happiness to the owner and creates fond memories.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
It’s very difficult to juggle financial security and artistic pursuits. I built up a nest egg by working before I started my business and have poured that money into my business. I also kept working during the inception of my business, so that I could pursue my goals while still having income. I don’t know any successful business owner that doesn’t work over 60 hours a week – hard work and perseverance are key to overcoming those beginning obstacles.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My Instagram is the most updated state of my work, but people can also see my work on my website, www.gopishah.com. They can support me by following my journey, purchasing something from my web shop, or supporting local businesses that carry my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gopishah.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/gopishahceramics
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/gopishahceramics
Image Credit:
Gopi Shah
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.
