This week's feature, Alinahayes! It's more than just pottery! These are conversation pieces, these are pieces that you relish every chance you get to use them! Coffee in a cup like this
is like a beautiful dream. Go here http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28054691 to purchase one for yourself!
Imagine some flowers, freshly picked from the garden, in this one of kind beautiful handmade vase.
Go here http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27261406 to purchase this vase!
Now that you've had a sneak peek at some of Alina's work, it's time to meet her and find out what's behing the curtain.
Alina's Short Bio - In 2006, I discovered a passion for throwing pottery at the Burbank Art Center when my husband and I moved to California. I am enjoying the slightly slower pace of Los Angeles. We currently reside in West Hills with our dogs Auggie and Mops, where I spend time creating in my home studio. I find inspiration and strive to achieve a balance between nature and modern/contemporary design.I have taken the plunge and have devoted myself to ceramics fulltime.Gabrielle: Where do you get your inspiration from?
Alina: I started finding inspiration from nature and organic forms. Lately I've been inspired by contemporary furniture design. I also like to imagine a piece of pottery as something you would wear. I often think about glaze colors as an outfit that might go together, not sure if that makes sense.Gabrielle: Do you have a job outside of Etsy?
Alina: About five months ago, I've been fortunate enough to quit my previous office job, and become a fulltime potter. This gave me the oportunity to branch out to local shops and galleries.Gabrielle: How did you come into your profession?
Alina: It was a complete accident. I majored in illustration in school, and had taken several sculpture classes, but had never tried the wheel. When I moved to Los Angeles, I started taking wheel-throwing classes at a local community center in Burbank, CA. I was so taken by it, I knew that this was something I wanted to pursue almost immediately.Gabrielle: Is this what you imagined you would be when you grew up? If not, what did you want to be when you were little?
Alina: When I was little I wanted to be a ballerina, an actress, a singer. I wasn't sure which of these dreams would actually come true, but I knew for sure that I would find happiness doing something creative.
Gabrielle: What's your favorite snack/drink to keep you going during a long day?
Alina: Ahhh...coffee is my number one friend. Now that I have the privilige to work from home, I often forget to eat until much later in the day.
Gabrielle: What is your favorite item in your shop?
Alina: Recently it's been my ladybug items. I really enjoy the vibrant colors and the break from the wheel they provide. 
Gabrielle: How did you get the idea for your favorite item?
Alina: I was trying to think of something different. I had been working with press molds of flowers and such, and one day I was taking photos of some earrings, and placed them onto a large cala lilly leaf. On that leaf sat a small ladybug, and I thought... perfect!Gabrielle: If there was one place you could live and money wasn't an option where would it be?
Alina: New York or Paris. I grew up in new york, and recently visited Paris. To live in those cities the way I would want to live, I would need millions of dollars. I've wanted to move to los angles since I was 18, so I would say I am already pretty darn lucky.
Gabrielle: If you had a million dollars how would you spend it?
Alina: Hmmm... If I really had a million dollars, I would pay off my house and invest the rest. If there was no such thing as reality, I would like to buy an apartment in Manhattan. Although a million dollars would probably barely buy you a one bedroom. Haha.
Gabrielle: Do you believe in God? This can be a yes or no, or it can be a more elaborate answer, you can also choose not to answer it, if it is too personal.
Alina: Yes.
Gabrielle: Do you feel like a part of you is visible in all of your work?
Alina: I am not sure. I hope so. People tell me they can. I am working on having a cohesive look. Sometimes I feel my pottery is too all over the place.
Gabrielle: Do you miss items when they sell?
Alina: Sometimes. Depends on the item. If I make an item I really love, I try to hold on to it for a while. After a year or so, I let it go.Gabrielle: Where is your favorite place to shop on Etsy?
Alina: Thats a tough one.I like looking through the gift guides, but particularly the jewelry on Etsy. I love the jewelry designs of marmar on etsy, and have purchased a couple of pieces. I would love to own one of artisanimpact designs.Alina also has a blog, check it out to see what she's up to! http://alinahayes.blogspot.com
Thank you Alina for taking the time to do this interview, you really have a gift!
Now here are a few of my favorites from Alina! Visit
www.alinahayes.etsy.com to purchase your favorites!
