Life & Work with Izaid Barr of Lápiz Objects

Today we’d like to introduce you to Izaid Barr.

Hi Izaid, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into ceramics took shape through a process of trial and error, a result of my exploration with different artistic mediums. I felt that I found my true calling when I began working with clay, which seemed to best synthesize my personality and creative vision. Finding this prompted me to become a member of a ceramics studio in Chinatown, Los Angeles. Within the studio’s vibrant community, I connected with fellow artists—observing, questioning, participating in classes, and just generally engaging with fellow members. I maintained a consistent practice, committed to honing my craft and learning from the mistakes I made along the way.

Though there have been challenges and setbacks, the invaluable guidance and camaraderie within the clay community have been pivotal in shaping my growth.

In retrospect, taking a traditional path through art school may have been a faster or more straightforward approach, but I’m appreciative of the unique route I’ve taken, which has granted me a distinct perspective and continues to inspire and guide my artistic exploration.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has sometimes been challenging to create the time and space to bring my ideas to life as I balance my job as a behavioral therapist with my creative pursuits. However, it’s something I’m constantly working to achieve, making sure that I keep the creative gears turning, even in the midst of life’s busy rhythm.

As my ceramic pieces require a not-insignificant amount of physical space, they tend to occupy areas of both my home and ceramics studio, which can lead to logistical challenges, as current pieces are at various stages of completion and space needs to be made for new pieces to begin. As Lápiz Objects continues to grow, the exciting possibility of having a dedicated space is becoming increasingly likely.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create functional sculptures with clay under the name Lápiz Objects. The pieces are often a playful twist on common domestic objects — from small items like bookholders all the way up to larger objects like stools, tables, and light fixtures. In some cases, the pieces are unique in that they wouldn’t typically be made from clay. In other cases, they are unique for their shape, texture, color, or scale.

I aspire for these pieces to bring joy into people’s homes and daily routines, entering into a dynamic and continually evolving conversation with their surroundings and the various objects that accompany them.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Keeping my sketchbook with me wherever I go has been a great way to ensure that I always have a way to capture ideas. I’ve also begun using Apple’s native Freeform app, which works like an infinite whiteboard, allowing me to gather images, videos, sketches, websites, etc., and organize them visually in a very organic way—this makes it efficient to test out different ideas and combinations.

With podcasts, I’ve been enjoying listening to interviews with Rick Rubin, who recently wrote a book called, “The Creative Act: A Way of Being.” He offers concise and actionable insights into living creatively and being tuned in to our surroundings—insights which have the potential to be transformative if truly utilized.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lapizobjects.com
• Instagram: @lapizobjects

Image Credits
Izaid Barr, Zachary Barr