Meet Shiori Takemori | Pottery Artist

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

Hi Shiori, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Joining Tiktok! I hesitated for months because I felt too old to be on the app, but turns out the algorithm knows how to push my content to all the right people. The first drop on my online store, cheeky Shrek-inspired pieces, sold out in under 3 minutes thanks to one video! The initial learning curve and extra screentime have absolutely been worth it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is bold, cute, and conscious. What sets me apart from the others is the audacity. There’s a demand for cheeky items but it’s a big risk depending on your audience. Luckily, my brand draws in all the best customers who are fully onboard with adorning their spaces with lovely four-letter words.

I am very excited to table at DragCon in May! As a long-time fan and first time vendor, I’m looking forward to connecting with other fans and queens on a whole new level. It’s such a warm and supportive community, and what a treat it will be to listen to RuPaul DJ while showing off my artwork!

I want the world to know that my art is both lighthearted and deeply empowering. To many, a cheeky mug or a curvy planter is just kitschy homeware. For those who feel connected or seen by them, there are layers of experiences and emotions we have shared through similar encounters. Rooted in femininity and queerness, my pieces challenge how we interpret language and expressions that are used against us.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In no particular order, my itinerary would include the following:

A day in West Adams/West Jefferson starting with Smørrebrød for a light lunch at Open Face Food Shop. Then head to Pot Gardens for a 420 hand-building class, and satisfy our munchies with some Sichuan noodles and mung bean tea at MIAN West Adams.

A lazy day at Zuma beach with a cooler full of treats, including sandwiches from Bay Cities.

Drag Race viewing at Precinct DTLA, followed by hours of nonstop entertainment by drag artists!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my friend and fellow artist, Rachel Sim! Last spring, they found me on Instagram through a mutual friend’s story, and reached out to me to vend at an event at Party Art Community. That pop-up was my very first sale, and encouraged me to pursue this full-time. PAC gave me my own shop window last November as their featured artist, which was very validating as a first-year small business. In addition to community organizing, Rachel makes Miyazaki-inspired miniatures (@minizakis) that are incredibly detailed and dreamy!

Website: www.poppusiren.com

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

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@poppusiren