Meet Alejandra Hermida | Artist and designer

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

Hi Alejandra, how do you think about risk?
In my experience, taking risks often leads to new opportunities. Embracing uncertainty encourages change and opens up doors.


In my professional practice, this mindset has allowed me to work across various disciplines within the design and art world. Most recently, it has led me to explore new tools and processes such as 3d printing with ceramics, which challenged me but enriched my artistic process.



On a personal level, taking a big risk meant leaving Mexico City, where I grew up, and moving to London. This decision has introduced me to diverse perspectives, some very inspiring conversations, and new ideas.



Taking risks can take many forms, reaching out to someone you admire for a conversation, experimenting with unfamiliar tools and techniques, or trying out a new class. Maybe a good way to describe it would be trying something new which you are not very sure what the outcome will be, which can sometimes be scary. Nonetheless, if there is something inspiring this inner curiosity, I would say go for it! Take the leap, growth lies in the exploration of unknown territory.

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.
As a ceramic artist, my work is currently focused on exploring the meaning of crafts in the present context combining technology and tradition. Integrating ceramic 3d printing into my practice has opened up new creative challenges and possibilities.

My most recent body of work focuses on a very dear subject to me: the underwater world and the devastating impact of the climate crisis on marine ecosystems. As an avid scuba diver, I have had the opportunity to witness the beauty and fragility of these environments firsthand. This experience has reinforced my commitment to use my practice as a medium to highlight the urgent need for ocean conservation, an issue that is surprisingly still overlooked despite its critical importance to our planets well-being.



My journey hasn’t been exactly lineal. From the first moment I worked with clay, I felt an inexplicable connection to the material. However at the time, I was completing my BA in Industrial Design and believed it was essential to broaden my perspective and expand my knowledge. I pursued a career in design and interior design, while simultaneously developing my own ceramic practice. After working at my full-time job, I would spend my evenings and part of my weekends in the ceramic studio, or working on pieces at home.



In other words, I never got tired of doing something ceramic-related, which helped me prove myself that this was a far deeper interest I wanted to fully immerse myself in. This realization led me to pursue an MA in Design Ceramics at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. While studying, I was introduced to ceramic 3D printing, and just as I once learned hand building and wheel throwing, I was eager to incorporate this ability into my work. 



I am excited to continue exploring the intersections of traditional craftsmanship and digital fabrication. At the same time, I am deeply interested in finding sustainable solutions within my practice, including incorporating recycled and discarded materials.


If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
London is so big and vibrant! There is always something going on and new places to visit, that’s why I fell in love with it.

I would definitely suggest going to the TATE Modern (a personal favorite), followed by a walk to the White Cube Gallery. You could finish the day by having some ramen at Hakata or enjoying a pint at one of the many pubs in Bermondsey.

London is full of culture, so if you are into exhibitions and museums, I would highly recommend checking what’s on at the V&A, the Hayward Gallery, or the Saatchi Gallery to name a few.

Another personal favorite is the Barbican, a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts. The Barbican regularly hosts concerts, film screenings and  exhibitions. Even if you simply visit the building to walk around its hidden corridors and enjoy a coffee, you wont be disappointed.

You could spend some time at Brick Lane’s vintage market, followed by food and drinks at Exmouth Market. Over the weekend, head to Broadway Market; an old market street, which still hosts a variety of artisan traders, vintage wear, and delicious street food. Just around the corner, there is the best falafel pita you are likely to ever try from Pockets which I enjoy eating in London Fields Park. Speaking of parks, the city is filled with them, Hampstead Heath, Richmond Park, Victoria Park, Hyde Park among others. If you are here over the summer, I highly recommend swimming in the Hampstead Heath ponds.

Food is a difficult one because there are just so many great options. However, some of my favorite places would be:
-Kanchana’s Kitchen near Waterloo for Thai cuisine.
-The Spurstowe Arms in Hackney for some excellent pizza by Dough Hands.
-Sonora Taqueria in Stoke Newington. As a Mexican myself, this is my favorite place to go to for the most authentic flavour and best tacos in town.

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 like to express my gratitude to all the “teachers” who have guided me throught my journey. This list can be slightly extensive but these people have played a significant role in shaping my path.

First, I want to mention Angelica García Estrada who introduced me the world of ceramics and later on connected me to Carmen de la Parra- who became my main mentor for many years and is now a dear friend. I am also grateful to David Pompa, with whom I had the opportunity to work with, and taught me so many things; from Photoshop to some serious self discipline.

Most recently, all the teachers, tutors, and technicians I met through my Masters Degree at UAL.

And finally my family who have always encouraged me to pursue my passion for arts and ceramics and taught me that the only way to get through is by working hard and showing up everyday.

Website: https://alehermida.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandra-hermida/

Image Credits
Giovanni Bello
Alejandra Hermida
Chaeeun Kim