This week In Bloom sits down with Ceramicist Luciana Gamarra to hear about her career transition, where she finds her inspiration, how she winds down after a long day of creation, and her fail-proof advice for fellow female entrepreneurs…
"The most challenging thing was breaking down the paradigms that weren’t allowing me to make this project, which I had had in my mind for so long, a reality..."
Our loungewear collection is inspired in our days at home.
Describe how you spend your time (what you “do”).
I have a ceramic studio that I established in 2020, in the midst of the quarantine. Before that I worked in communications, but now I dedicate myself to making ceramics full time.
What do you look to for inspiration?
My work is definitely influenced by fashion. I have always been interested in fashion design; I love the patterns. I am currently working on some pieces inspired by pre-Columbian textiles; textiles that were, in turn, originally inspired by Peru’s natural scenery and nature.
What’s your favorite thing about what you do?
What a difficult question…there are so many things! I think what I like most about ceramics is that it is an art of infinite possibilities; it never ceases to surprise me. As one of my favorite ceramists, Wayne Ngan, would say: “In pottery, the more you learn the less you know.” (Like in life itself!) Also, ceramics is a practice that centers me and makes me more patient and tolerant. It allows me to flow in a ways I wasn’t previously aware I could.
Time to relax with the best-selling pajamas.
What has been the most challenging part of what you do?
The most challenging thing was breaking down the paradigms that weren’t allowing me to make this project, which I had had in my mind for so long, a reality. While the onset of the quarantine and my subsequent sudden unemployment status contributed to me taking that leap, the hardest part was to break from the ideas that I could not make a living from art alone, or that I was too old to start something so new (I was 28 years old at the time). Of course now I think back and laugh at all this, but at the time, it was something that took a lot of hard work to move through.
What advice would you give fellow women entrepreneurs?
I am going to share the advice that I feel has been most helpful to me.
- Surround yourself with people who add to, motivate, and inspire you, and distance yourself from those who drain or criticize you (not constructively) – particularly when it comes to your work and your dreams.
- Never stop investigating, especially if you are an entrepreneur. Learning a bit about everything is incredibly important in order to make a business work. I am currently studying ceramics, but I also take courses in Art direction, finance, etc. Everything is beneficial.
Luciana is wearing the Soft Rib PJ Set Crystal Pink and the Soft Rib Cardigan Crystal Pink.
What does your ideal day look like?
My ideal day always starts with coffee, otherwise, it doesn’t start! I love to wake up early so I can make breakfast and enjoy it with ease. Normally, my boyfriend and I make it together. My studio is located on the second floor of my apartment, so after finishing breakfast, I get right to work. If I have time, I like to go out for a bike ride in the afternoon. I usually work until about 8pm, and then I make my way back downstairs and whip up something to eat, which I accompany with a glass of wine.
Luciana starts her day with Boyfriend Vera PJ Set Golden Ikat.
What self-care rituals are you prioritizing these days?
Rest, physical activity, and a diet. I try to stick to a routine in terms of my bedtime and the time I wake up in the mornings, I bike ride at least twice per week, and I love going to the market to pick out my fruits and veggies for the week.
What is something you cannot sleep without?
I cannot go to bed without applying my L’occitane hand cream; working with clay really dries them out.
How do you wind down after a long day?
I struggle to disconnect after a long work day. I am a bit of a workaholic, in part because I love what I do, and in part – I suppose – because it comes with having your own business. At night I relax by chatting with Santi about how our respective days went, cooking some dinner, having some wine, reading something, or watching something on Netflix.
Enjoy some comfy time in our Boyfriend PJ Set Frost Gray.
What are listening to/ watching / reading lately?
I am currently watching the new episodes of My next guest needs no introduction, with David Letterman. I find it inspiring to learn more about the people I admire. I am one of those people who reads various books at the same time and doesn’t necessarily finish them. Right now, I am reading How to be an Artist, by Jerry Saltz; it is a book that explores how to overcome creative blocks and find peace in one’s work. I am also reading Entrevistas a Blanca Varela; I love her vision on life.
