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

Hi Ana, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
My business partner Mel and I met at a community clay studio that we both loved and were members of for years. As our ceramics practice continued to evolve we wanted a space that would support our growing interests. Eventually we decided to open a studio where we could continue to explore not just the history but the evolution of our craft through new tools, techniques and hosting workshops with artists from around the world.

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.
In addition to running and operating the community studios, we create our own line of tableware. Still Life Ceramics started as an extension of my previous career as an architectural designer. A few of my clients had asked if we would create some custom tableware for their restaurants or coffee shops, so Mel and I slowly but surely put together a small line of commercial products.

During the pandemic, and since, there are understandably fewer restaurants that can budget for custom handmade tableware, so we adjusted some of our processes to make a more affordable line and streamlined so that we can also sell to the wider public.

My favorite part of our work right now are the glazes we use: we formulate all of them ourselves and they are very much inspired by the colors of Southern California – both bright and subdued.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love it when friends visit from out of state! One of my favorite things is curating custom itineraries for each visitor, and I try to incorporate at least 3 very different experiences. An example would be starting with a few days in dtla which would include a visit to the Broad, Disney Concert hall, dinner and drinks at Bar Ama, Sushi Gen, a few gallery visits, etc. Then maybe two days out to Joshua Tree for some incredible hikes, and then of course ending up somewhere along the beach before dropping them off at the airport.

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?
This shoutout is to the team of incredible artists and studio mates that create and foster the studio experience! Our mission from day one has been to cultivate creativity and community through clay, and every day I am amazed at the group of people thah have rallied around this effort. In addition to my business partner Mel Keedle it’s through the teamwork and efforts of Gayle Curry, Jorge Jimenez, Eva Ozerova, Audrey Horner and many more (some of whom you have already featured!) that we have been able to create spaces where people enjoy coming to create and learn.

Website: StillLifeCeramics.com and Still-Life-Studio.com

Instagram: @still_life_ceramics

Image Credits
Jennifer Chong Sam Comen

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.