Our Team

Founding Artist / Owner

I am a third-generation potter with a strong dedication to art, education and community enrichment. My formal education is in Early Childhood Curriculum Development, and I also possess over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry. I hope to use my strong interpersonal skills to bring a unique sense of connection to the studio and make it an inviting & inclusive space.

Beyond my professional background, I've backpacked through 40+ countries, immersing myself in volunteer opportunities & cultural exchanges. This globetrotting humanitarian journey deeply enriches my vision, which will undoubtedly infuse an appreciation for cultural diversity into the studio.  All of this will shape EarthWorks ClaySpace's identity as an empowering place where students of all ages & abilities can embrace the transformative power of art.

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I stand at the helm of this budding business, and believe my unique background, global experiences and passions make me a visionary leader, and through EarthWorks ClaySpace I hope to inspire others to embark on their own creative journeys and serve as a catalyst for positive change.

Instructor

I've been working with clay since my childhood, always drawn to the unique properties of the medium.  There's really. nothing better for me when it comes to expressing my creativity!  As a ceramist for decades, I love to share my experience and accumulated knowledge with people ages 8 to 88!

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As a ceramics instructor, I have taught a wide range of students of all levels.  It is so fulfilling for me to see people experiment with new techniques.  Considering my degree in Arts & Humanities, I too have studied & experimented with various forms of art - but ceramics continues to hold my heart.

Throughout the years, I have participated in various gallery shows and vendor events.  However, as nice as it is to receive positive reactions & admiration for my pieces, ultimately it is the making process that is the most satisfying to me.  There is nothing like holding something made from what was once a lump of clay - now solid - that contains your own creative DNA.  

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I am very much looking forward to getting back into teaching (and throwing!) in our new studio space that is sure to have lots of community involvement & engagement!

Instructor 

Ceramic artist from the Santa Cruz Mountains primarily focused on wheel thrown pieces with an ancient and rustic look. I enjoy connecting with other artists and helping people grow their skills as potters. 

Community Outreach

From a young age, I’ve always found myself drawn to the world of art in all its forms. My love for ceramics began the moment I first threw on the wheel here at EWCS, and it truly clicked when I held my "wonky" bowl while eating cereal. The joy of holding something made by my own hands, something that started as an idea and became a tangible piece, made me realize that the creative possibilities in ceramics are endless. 

Beyond ceramics, I’m deeply passionate about supporting youth and curating community. I’ve taught children and led creative outlets like dance, always believing in the power of creativity to bring people together and create a sense of belonging. I believe that community is everything, it’s where we lean on each other, share our stories, and find strength and support. At the studio, I’m here to bring warmth, encouragement, and a sense of connection, welcoming everyone to express themselves and grow together in a space where creativity and community flourish. If you’re reading this, know I am so excited to meet you!  

Studio Assistant

Clay has always been a favorite medium for me to create art with since I was a child. I’m majoring in Studio Arts at Merced College, and I’m so glad to be here at EarthWorks Clayspace. The studio allows me to work and communicate with fellow artists, and I’m always learning new things.

I’ve been an artist my entire life. I’ve worked mostly as a digital artist, but in the past two years I have been focusing on ceramics and sculpture, taking classes for both at Merced College. I love to hand build and create fun and functional sculptures, but I’d like to learn more and develop my abilities on the wheel as well. I hope to one day share my art with others and uplift other local queer artists!

I’m excited to be a part of this growing community and can’t wait to watch EarthWorks continue to be a place for ceramic artists of all kinds!

Facilities

Hi y'all! My name is Lief. I was Born and raised in the southern Appalachian mountains of Western North Carolina at the turn of the millenia. I work as an engineer by day and am a multi-media creator focused on storytelling and developing technical wonder by night.

I have worked with clay for close to a decade, and have found my voice in ceramics primarily through wheelthrown functional and decorative vessels incorporating sculpted forms ranging between micro-vessel jewelry, kitchen wares, and most recently, ceremonial daggers.

My education background is in mechatronics engineering, bringing fundamental sciences and physics into the core of my approach to creation. Aside from ceramics, I pour my heart into music, generative motion graphics, and cooking delicious food. 

I hope to share knowledge, experience, and perspective in the pursuit of a strong, healthy community centered around equity and uplifting co-development of skills and character.

Instructor/ Youth Programs 

I'm 24 and an Art Education major at Merced College - I'm currently enrolled in Intermediate Ceramics there.  I've been creating with clay for six years and absolutely love it!  

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For the last four years, I have been teaching children in various capacities.  Currently, I am involved in the MARS after-school program at Rivera Elementary School.  Creating art with kids brings me joy; I love seeing their creativity shine!

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Although I've tried the potter's wheel a few times, I really enjoy making sculptural hand-built pieces using techniques such as coiling, pinching and slab work.  I love experimenting with different textures and surface designs using various tools & methods.

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The local ceramic community is definitely going to grow with EarthWorks ClaySpace in town - I am excited to see it thrive!  

Admin Manager

I’m a Central Valley native with a deep love for nature and creative exploration. I’ve always been drawn to the alchemical process of transmutation, and ceramics has become my ideal way to play within this space.

While I’ve dabbled in hand-building over the years, it wasn’t until 2023 that I discovered my passion for the pottery wheel. Under the guidance of my first teacher, Brie (she incepted the idea of Earthworks during this time!!), I discovered a space to truly meet myself and connect with this grounding experience.

I am grateful for the inclusive, supportive community here, where artists are encouraged to grow and evolve. Being part of this collaborative space is inspiring- and I’m excited to continue expanding with the team that is Earthworks and finding new forms of expression through clay. 

Community Coordinator

I am thrilled to join EarthWorks ClaySpace as Volunteer Coordinator. In this role, I hope to bring the community together to leverage collective talents, efforts, and networks in supporting the studio as it breaks new ground in Merced and creates a space where artists of all kinds can thrive. Professionally, I have a background as a teacher and currently work for a nonprofit that empowers young women in STEM. I'm passionate about educational equity and leveraging partnerships to equip youth as leaders. My primary artistic experience is in dance, but I am excited to explore new creative expressions in ceramics. As EarthWorks ClaySpace opens its doors I am most looking forward to the community gatherings and new connections to come.

Studio Assistant

My name is Julian Aispuro, and I am an artist based in California's Central Valley. I was

first introduced to ceramics during high school, where my initial focus was on handbuilding and learning the basics of wheel throwing. As I progressed through my junior and senior years, I became more proficient on the wheel and gained experience in studio maintenance, which

sparked a deeper connection to the medium.

In 2023, I reconnected with ceramics and have since been dedicated to refining my skills at the EWCS. This space has been a transformative environment, offering me the opportunity to engage with a vibrant community of artists. I’ve had the privilege of teaching and mentoring others, witnessing their growth as they develop their own creative voices. It's been incredibly

rewarding to support students as they take pride in their work and see their progress unfold.

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I am eager to continue expanding my artistic practice and am excited by the possibility of

contributing to and learning from the artistic community at Earthworks.