Life & Work with Paola Kassabian of Sherman Oaks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paola Kassabian.

Paola, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I first encountered pottery in middle school and was immediately captivated by clay. For many years afterward, I admired ceramics from a distance, without the time or opportunity to fully commit to the practice. In 2021, I returned to clay by joining a local ceramics studio and began throwing on the wheel again. Over time, I discovered that handbuilding resonated more deeply with me, offering greater freedom, experimentation, and space for creative exploration.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of my greatest challenges as a ceramics artist has been finding the time the medium demands. Ceramics is inherently slow and process-driven, requiring patience, presence, and sustained dedication at every stage.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a ceramic artist, I am continually inspired by the quiet beauty and complexity of the natural world. My work draws deeply from the ocean’s depths and the life it shelters- coral reefs, underwater flora, and the rhythmic movement of sea life. I also find endless inspiration from organic shapes and in the gentle strength of wildflowers, the protective architecture of seed pods, and the subtle intricacies of lichen, moss, and rusted surfaces. Through clay, I explore organic textures and forms, allowing them to emerge in a way that feels both familiar and otherworldly. My process is guided by a fascination with how nature holds a delicate balance between stillness and movement. I specialize in hand-built ceramics, allowing each piece to evolve intuitively, guided by the clay and the beauty of imperfection. Each piece I create is an invitation to look closer, to feel the textures, and to witness the quiet transformations of the natural world through ceramic form.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Having recently completed my first gallery exhibition, I see this as just the beginning. Over the next five to ten years, I hope to continue presenting my work in a wider range of galleries while expanding its presence beyond traditional exhibition spaces. I’m especially interested in collaborating with interior designers, using these partnerships to push my practice forward and explore new scales, contexts, and creative possibilities.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Paola.ceramix