Meet Tiana Anglin | Visual Artist and Owner of Earthenware by Tiana Anglin

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

Hi Tiana, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a homebody, I love my living space, and I’ve always enjoyed eccentric pieces that make my space feel more special. I started ceramics as a hobby in 2019, so that I could learn to design and create kitchenware pieces for my own use. These pieces quickly became something that I wanted to share with others. I genuinely enjoy the therapeutic process of creating these pieces, and the peace they bring to me and my space, as well as how exciting it feels to eat out of and decorate with art that is truly one of a kind and feels so close to nature. They brought together my love for Jamaica’s organic landscapes and a wabi-sabi style of home decor, and I wanted to be able to share that experience. Building ceramics by hand (without a potter’s wheel) is the method I was taught and the one which I maintain to this day, as nothing beats the authenticity that these pieces bring.

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’ve been a painter before anything else, and this is something that I have definitely carried over into my ceramics. My favourite subjects to paint are landscapes, and this shows itself in the organic nature of my ceramics. I think being a painter has really loaned something truly authentic to my ceramic pieces. I have a great understanding of colour and I incorporate this in the intention of my pieces, which is to create a calming and nurturing experience.

For a great part, I can thank my discipline and drive for where I am today. I’m a go-getter, and once I have a goal or desire in mind, I plan and take the best steps I can to make them a reality. I’m also not afraid to seek the council of others. Along the way, I’ve gotten very useful advice from friends who also run their own businesses and have been in the positions I find myself in.

Running a business isn’t easy, and I made several mistakes in the beginning, especially when I was trying to find my brand’s style and audience. I ended up overproducing and essentially losing a bit. But what has helped me a lot is observing, taking notes, planning and problem solving. It is very important to be solution oriented, and to think of problems that might arise before they do. I plan way in advance and execute to the best of my ability. I like to ensure that every single time I create a batch of pieces, it is better than the last, and a part of ensuring this is listening to feedback from my customers and making improvements where they can be made. So the lesson I’ve learned from this is to be calculated about everything and listen to feedback. It saves a lot of time, energy and resources in the long run.

I want people to know that my pieces are created out of pure love and with the intention of adding something to their personal space that makes them feel a little brighter. The name Earthenware was taken from a type of ceramic clay called earthenware, and while I use mainly porcelain to create my pieces, they are heavily inspired by nature, authenticity and being grounded and so, they are very much earthen-ware (of the earth). I make every single piece by hand, so they are all one-of-a-kind, making each one special.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m from the Sunshine City of Portmore, so we’d definitely have to take a trip to the beach and have some of the most delicious seafood in Hellshire. GoKarting is also an option if they’re into adventure.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would definitely have to dedicate this shoutout to my parents. Being an artist has been a part of my identity for as long as I’ve known myself, and they’ve always supported me in every single one of my endevours. My mother is a huge part of Earthenware’s backbone, and my dad never fails to give his support and help at all of my exhibitions. They’ve encouraged my craft from childhood til now and for that, I am super grateful and blessed.

I also couldn’t go without shouting out the rest of my family, friends, and mentors who have motivated and guided me over the years.

Website: https://earthenwareofficial.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthenwareofficial/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiana-anglin-a8a881105/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/earthenwareofficial

Other: https://www.instagram.com/tianaanglin/