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

Hi Hiromi, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I guess that I am a very persistent person and enjoy the challenge of pursuing my passion. As an artist the field of ceramics is full of technical challenges, and has never left my mind to rest. I’m on the constant journey to achieve new skills and surface treatments. This pursuit of my craft is how I realize and express certain emotions though my artwork. It is rewarding when I overcome struggles in my work, struggles that would not come without challenges. It parallels the feeling I experience while teaching, as I observe my students struggle and overcome. I would never stop making nor stop teaching. Keep going, is sort of the mantra of my process. The goal I seek might be not the result I imagined, but I have confidence that by working through my frustrations and struggles that my goals will evolve and come to fruition.
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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 a storyteller. Experiencing a situation that brings us fear and anxiety are but an opportunity to surpass ones circumstance. My work reflects what I’ve been though in my life. Rather than halting at the moment of struggle, I choose to express my feelings through my work. Often I try to include some humor or some technique I am very excited about at the time. I don’t see myself as set apart from others, everybody is artist if they choose to keep creating and following their passion. However it isn’t easy to be an artist, as I cannot support myself by just making art or teaching. But I noticed that I am a much happier person when I reserve some creation time for myself rather than just making a living.

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.
Wow, I don’t want to be a boring person, but I don’t go out nor eat out period. If I have spare time, I’d rather stay in my studio and my boyfriend can cook better than any restaurant I have ever experienced. If my friends were visiting me in town, I would tour my studio and treat them with our special home made meal, visit local gallery and museum. I would try to find a one day craft class or some sort of local activity.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I graduated with my MFA back in 2015 and I’ve been residency to residency ever since. I wanted to give my credits to all the residencies I have attended and staff members I’ve worked alongside for their support. I also like to give credit for Israel Davis for awarding me the student’s choice award for James Tingey’s scholarship and Linda Lighton for LIAEP scholarship for international travel.

Website: https://www.hiromi-iyoda.com/
Instagram: hiromiiyoda

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.