6 THINGS WITH SAMANTHA CHOO

I grew up obsessively watching HGTV. I figured I would become an interior designer and so I studied design at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. There I learned how big and expansive the design world actually was and fell in love with architecture and design. My senior project was about a teahouse base camp in Muir Woods. I designed a huge multi-level building with all this programming, but for the teahouse portion I designed a little tea set with CAD and paid a company to 3D print a ceramic tea cup and snack dish set, and little did I know that would foreshadow far more ceramic work in my distant future.

I began my design career in a design studio but the work just didn’t light my spirit. I challenged the standards of that studio a lot, and worked really hard to change the work produced by them, but was constantly pushed back and my creative drive and integrity as a designer began dimming. I rose to Senior Designer within the first 2 years but was laid off during the pandemic, a true blessing in disguise. It wasn't until 2 years ago, during the pandemic, that I was introduced to The Pottery Studio when I saw some beautiful ceramic works at my friend's house, she and her boyfriend had made. I immediately signed up for wheel-throwing classes and was hooked immediately. Luckily I was unemployed during that time, so I would go to the studio to practice from 10 am and would leave at 8 pm. I promised myself I would become proficient within three months and by the third month I was at best okay. Nine months in I saw a sign in the studio that said “Interesting in teaching?” I responded to the call and began teaching soon after. I improved significantly while teaching and eventually, my ceramics work began to develop a bit of a personality and shops began reaching out.

3. Most treasured home decor item?

My home decor is all artwork made by my partner, friends, and/or myself. Besides that, it's all crystals, cool rock specimens from adventures, and dried flowers. I love displaying my specimens and gifts. They’re all about memorabilia and revisiting memories.

4. What’s the best advice you've ever received?

“In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or back into safety.” I may take this too seriously, but generally, if it inspires you and scares you, you should do it.

5. It's 5 o'clock at home. What would you be pouring?

Matcha. Anything ceremonial grade tier 1 or 2. I like my matcha a little more intense so I do a double scoop of matcha through a strainer, add hot water, and speed mix with my electric milk frother. Usually, I would shoot it, like a samurai before a dual but on a slower day I’ll add a ¼ cup oat milk and slowly enjoy a latte. Why am I caffeinating myself in the evening? Well usually during the day I’m working on my day job, being a designer for my clients. Once it hits 4 or 5 pm I take a short matcha break with my dinner before I head into the pottery studio to work on my ceramics.

6. What are your favorite 6 accounts that you follow for inspiration?

@floriangadsby
@twofoursixstudio.ceramics
@clare.fawn
@do.design
@latch_key
@kelleyraeburnett

"I've always loved making things. Functional, non-functional I'm drawn by the headspace induced by the act of making and creating. My headspace always feels so loud. I notice when I go a few days without having made anything I get into these anxiety-ridden spaces, but when I'm creating, things quiet down and I can find clarity." -Samantha Choo