Meet Jo Vucajnk | Potter/ Instructor for Intro ceramic’s wheel throwing

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jo Vucajnk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jo, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I am very passionate about Art & Art History, so naturally I find myself inspired by creating art, and I believe in following your passion.
In 1993 I followed my heart and started working with different wax mediums, sculpting and
pouring candles. I developed a beautiful product line which became very popular in Los Angeles
and around the country. During this time I was also taking ceramic classes at a local college in
LA, and loved it.
Later while living in Miami, I was given an opportunity to teach Intro to wheel throwing at Gasper
Arts Center in Dania Beach with the multi talented Laura Gasper. I am fortunate to be able to
expand my knowledge by her side and with our great community members.
You can find me in the studio vibing with the students as a hands-on instructor, guiding my
students’ hands while having a good time with fun and laughter.
Another dream came true in my creative career!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most proud of connecting with small business owners, buyers and sales reps in all the trendy shops in Los Angeles, up and down the CA coast, and throughout the country. My candle line was also featured
by different accounts in In style magazine, Metropolitan Home, and E television network.
A few years later I decided to create a new identity for my product line, and so I rebranded to
Body ‘N Light. I was only interested in using earth friendly materials, and I also decided to
expand my business by incorporating wax with my own ceramic vessels. Hand poured soy
coconut wax, and handmade clay body decorative reusable vessels.
The competition has always been challenging, but one very dear friend/shop owner and former
account on Melrose Ave. once told me, “you have to stay innovative”. And so I do!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
South Florida has so many great spots! I like to take my guests to a nice relaxing and fun place. And, that place is of course Gasper Arts Center where they can take my Intro to Pottery wheel-throwing class.
We can become one with the clay, get our hands dirty, listen to some tunes, laugh and make
great memories. Afterwards, we can grab a bite at the best seafood shack-Tarks in Dania
Beach! .

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Definitely a big shout out to my husband for helping me keep my vision and goals alive. I would not be a potter without his support. He constantly compliments my successes and shows admiration for my work. I am very lucky the universe sent him to me.

Another shout out to Laura Gasper for her encouragement, because an artist journey is not easy. We are rejected, criticized, and compared to, and being a perfectionist in your art is not easy. Throwing, bigger and higher on a pottery wheel takes skill and is challenging. Laura’s cheering reassures and instills confidence in myself and others in the studio. She is truly a wealth of knowledge, and I consider her my mentor.

Website: Gasperarts.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodynlight/?hl=en