We had the good fortune of connecting with Abby and Dylan Stevens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

What was the thought process behind starting your own business?
We started doing pottery to have a shared creative outlet but both fell in love with it pretty quickly. We started producing so many pieces that our studio shelves became full, so we started bringing pieces back to our apartment. Our 480 square foot apartment barely fits our bed and couch, so it was difficult to find space for a dozen vases and sculptures. The obvious solution to the inventory issue was to apply for local markets, pay vendor fees, and hope that people would like our pottery enough to buy it. Fortunately, we’ve sold enough pieces to free up space in our apartment, make a bit of profit, and feel like a legitimate small business.

What’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
Dylan: I guess the saying “there’s a silver lining to every cloud.” I’m all for looking on the bright side, but sometimes a situation is just an all-around bummer with no upside to it. And that’s okay!

Abby: I disagree with the concept of “settling down.” I don’t think you need to choose one job, one apartment, one city, or one path to feel fulfilled.

Risk taking: how do you think about risk. What role has taking risks played in your life/career?
Dylan: Risk-taking can be necessary from time to time. Earlier this year, I quit my job as a geologist. Even though it was a stable job with pretty good pay, I was miserable. Without taking that risk, I never would have had the free time to focus on my pottery, and I wouldn’t have gained the clarity that I needed in order to figure out what I actually wanted to do with my career.

Abby: I took a risk by telling my best friend (Dylan, obviously) that I was in love with him and found out that he was in love with me too, so I’m a big fan of taking risks. I don’t want to stand in my own way and let fear hold me back from potentially amazing experiences. Feel the fear and do it anyway.

Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? What do you think about the balance?
When we first started pottery, we would stay at the studio past midnight 5-6 times per week. Now that we feel fairly competent as ceramicists, we can produce several pieces in a shorter amount of time, so we usually visit the studio three times per week, never staying longer than four hours. If we had continued doing pottery as often and as late as we were, burning out
would’ve been inevitable. Limiting our time at the studio is much more sustainable.

What are you inspired by?
Dylan: Mostly by my surroundings, and Los Angeles is a great place to find inspiration. Our pottery studio is home to so many talented artists, and I feel that being in a creative environment drives me to put out my best work. Good music always helps me get in a productive headspace, lately I’ve been listening to a lot of jazz, Pavement, and Harry Nilsson.

Abby: In the spirit of full transparency, my art isn’t inspired by anything. I don’t feel like my pieces are deep and meaningful, and I don’t feel emotionally attached to them. I don’t plan what my next piece is, I just set up my tools, hold clay in my hands, and see where it goes. Creating art is purely physical to me, my mind and emotions aren’t attached to it at all. I just listen to Talking Heads in my headphones and let my hands take the lead.

Tell us about yourselves
We’re originally from Phoenix, Arizona and moved to Echo Park in April of last year. We eloped in Vegas on May 1st, 2022 after dating for eight months and being engaged for two (when you know, you know!). Our favorite activities are watching obscure movies at old theaters, listening and dancing to music (usually 60s rock or 80s new wave), and attending the occasional ballet class. Life is great when you’re married to your best friend!

What is your creative process?
Dylan: I mostly make pieces on a potter’s wheel, although I’ve recently taken a foray into hand-building. I don’t feel like I fit into any particular niche, although my favorite things to make are flower vases. More than anything I’m entranced by the process of throwing on the wheel the action is just as important as the finished product for me. I love how deliberate and machine-like your movements have to be, and how all of those movements are recorded by the clay. As for the forms that I produce, I’m always trying to push my limits and create something
new. It keeps things interesting.

Abby: I initially called myself a hand-builder, but I actually think I’ve been a sculptor all along. My pieces aren’t intentional or meaningful, I truly just grab a chunk of clay and see what happens. I’ve experimented with different pottery methods like wheel-throwing, slab-building, and coiling, but I feel the most connected to the idea that my pieces aren’t created by a specific method, I
just sculpt in a chaotic manner until I’ve created something that feels finished. When my pieces are complete, I name them.

Contact information:

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA 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.