A Conversation with Adriana Lemus
Words by Rachel Heaney. Photo sources as indicated.
Photo by Alexandra Wallace.
Adriana Lemus is a prominent figure in the San Luis Obispo, California creative circle, frequently commissioned by popular local businesses like Le Cuvier Winery, Hotel SLO, Bang the Drum Brewery, Megan’s Organic Market and at least a dozen more.
Beyond the commissions, Adriana’s personal work is an intimate expression of her ethics and values. A quick search on her website informs the reader that her creations are “inspired by and meant to empower the female figure”. She conveys this message beautifully in her nude selfie series, an ongoing collection of pieces where nude forms and client selfies are skillfully illustrated onto ceramic vessels.
I immediately thought of Adriana when I was ready to commission my first small order for West of One. There’s something exciting about being let in to observe an artist’s creative process and Adriana was so helpful in guiding me through our collaboration. It felt incredibly special to have a hand in the look and feel of our West of One tumblers. Seeing this project come to life through Adriana’s passion and expertise in her craft furthered my excitement about working with other small businesses and creators in the future.
When Adriana isn’t in front of the wheel herself, she can be found running workshops and holding private lessons in her bohemian, backyard studio for aspiring ceramicists of all ages. Continue reading to find out how she became a full-time ceramicist, her advice for running your own business, and what she’s listening to right now.
Tell me a little bit about yourself and Adriana Lemus Ceramics.
I was born and raised in San Luis Obispo and moved away to go to school at UC Berkeley majoring in “The Practice of Art”, then moved back after graduating. I practiced both ceramics and painting for several years. I went full-time ceramics in 2020 during the pandemic.
Did you always want to be an artist?
Always! I’ve been making art since I was 2 years old. I took my first ceramics class in High School and the rest was history! My father is an artist, too, and both my parents always encouraged me and supported my art practice.
What fuels you to create?
Hmm, great question. I always have ideas of what I want to create in my head. I’m always thinking of what I can do next. With ceramics, the possibilities are endless. I honestly cannot imagine not making art or being creative.
Any advice for running your own business?
It’s HARD but totally WORTH IT! Being able to work for yourself is extremely rewarding but also one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done in my life. My advice would be to pay attention to successful businesses around you and how they make it work. Hire someone/hire help! Start small, take the opportunities, and be nice to yourself :) Learning to take days off will really make a difference in the long run. Just try having your own business, if it doesn’t work out, it’s ok, at least you tried!
Above: A fresh batch of mugs waiting to be glazed. Photo by Adriana Lemus.
What are you doing when you aren't in the studio?
I love going to hot yoga every day. But I honestly spend the majority of my time making art if I can. I also love spending time with my friends and family as much as I can!
Favorite piece(s) you've ever made?
My favorite pieces are always changing! Right now, my favorites are the two bigger vessels I made for Farmhouse Motel in Paso (Robles). I threw two large pieces and attached them together to make one big piece. Sometimes it’s hard to let my work go! I’ve also been loving making and painting on plates. It’s something I probably wouldn’t normally do but because it was a commission, I ended up really loving it!
Who are the artists that most inspire you?
I’ve always been inspired by European artists; Matisse, Picasso, Botticelli. My dad’s artwork (José Lemus) has also always been an inspiration!
What are you listening to and/or reading right now?
I listen to such a variety of music all the time! I spend a lot of time in my studio so I switch from music, to podcasts, to shows. Right now, I'm listening to the artist, Manu Chao. I just finished listening to "Finance for the People" by Paco de Leon, an audiobook. It’s about learning how to get your finances together if you’re a small business owner, or for anyone, honestly. I HIGHLY recommend it. Learning about finances is super important and the sooner you get it together, the easier it will be later on.
Above: Adriana in her sunlit, backyard studio. Photo by Dylan Grant.
What does "mindful design" mean to you?
Ooo, I love this. I feel like everything I make is thought out SO precisely; from the shape, size, colors and design. This is what makes each individual piece a work of art. Visually, you can tell when something has been created mindfully and wasn’t just replicated over and over or mass produced. I also like to think of where my artwork is going and where it’ll end up in 20, 30, or 100 years! Every ceramic piece that’s ever been made is still on earth unless it was destroyed into pieces. Making mindful art is important to my business’s intentions and ethics.
Follow Adriana on Instagram via @adriana.lemus.ceramics.
