The Creative Spotlight Series is here to share & inspire through learning the actual experiences of individuals who chose a creative path.

 The second interview is with my dear friend & mentor Mirena Kim.

I met Mirena about 10 years ago in Los Angeles. We were both assisting a small business potter. We began working together regularly, and developed a close relationship beyond the studio. She guided me through other jobs, really got me proficient on the potter’s wheel and is who first put in my head that I have something to offer small businesses beyond making. She pushed me to articulate my skillsets in communication, finding the right person for the job and connecting creatives-ultimately leading me to OLRA CREATIVE. This is not a paid partnership with Mirena, so I will say with no gain, that everything Mirena touches is quality, stunning and a breath of strong design & craftsmanship. Whether a cup I drink out of, a painting, and most recently ceramic sculpture-I’m here for it. Enjoy our interview below.

What did/ does your journey look like to become fully functional on your own?

I started working in my teens, and aside from a few years when my babies were little, I have always needed to earn my way. Most of the time I was miserable. I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t thrive in “regular jobs" until I realized that I was a maker and I had to be making constantly or I would be unhappy. I backed into sales slowly: seconds sales, a few things in a favorite shop, etc. At some point I took a huge leap of faith but not without a whole lot of support and encouragement from my peers, my family, and customers.

Talk about presenting & sharing your work. From graphic design to functional ceramics, to paintings to sculptural ceramics, and a whole lifetime in the fashion industry- how do you decide when and how to share and make what you make?!

I try to make a living from my work, and that very much informs how and when I present work. Selling is a part of the process, and I try to live harmoniously with that. Things have changed so drastically! Rules that I thought were etched in stone are now disappearing. Being able to find your buyers person to person is a great thing, but so is working with a great shop or gallery! I’m finding that as makers we need to lead the conversation. Do we still need “collections” that come at pre-set times? Is the 50/50 split always valid? When is a store a store, if it lacks a physical location?

I have also made some drastic decisions based on my ever-growing concern with the environment. I feel better now that I am not constantly shipping all over the country, because my wares were heavy and required a lot of packing material. Not everyone can have the option to pull back, but I can (for now!), so I’m approaching those decisions with the environment in mind.

How does your unique human experience impact your work, your art. Your human experience as a Korean American in LA, a woman, a mother and any other way you define yourself and your perspective.

I’m always dealing with the fact that I am a woman of color. I spent the first half of my life thinking that the doors that seemed closed to me was my fault. I’ve recently learned stop shaming myself for my “failures” and acknowledge that racism and sexism, and now, ageism - are real. I am now trying to bring this awareness into my work, not as a central theme but as an ever-present voice that reminds me that I am different and it is a powerful thing. Therefore my work will be different, and may not always fit a mold or expectations. I want to be OK with that as much as I can.

What brings you joy? As defined by great happiness & pleasure

I know I should say my family and they are a very close second - but making is it for me. I write, sculpt, paint, throw, woodwork, collage - you name it. I keep it going every day, even holidays! It’s my refuge, my sanity AND my identity.

What is your advice to emerging artists/craftspeople?

Form a crew. Gather like-minded people together to share the joys and horrors! It will be more helpful than you can ever imagine. Take on the “burden” of coordinating lunches, drinks, Zoom meetings, etc