Meet Melissa Mendavia | Ceramicist + Dance Enthusiast

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

Hi Melissa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Creativity has always been a driving force in my life. From exploring color and music as a child, I’ve sought to understand the world through artistic expression. When my eldest started kindergarten, I joined a local ceramics studio, and was instantly captivated by the art form. The interplay of earth, fire, and technique, resulting in both beautiful and functional objects, deeply resonated with me.

My initial focus was on personal growth – honing my skills, experimenting with glazes, and creating gifts for loved ones. However, as my ceramic creations began to overflow my home, I realized the need to find a sustainable way to continue pursuing this passion. Sharing my creations with a wider audience became the next logical step.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My artistic path has been a journey of exploration and discovery. After art school, I dove into the world of printmaking and book arts in LA. Working with local Letterpress boutiques, I honed my skills in creating custom wedding invitations and handcrafted beautiful gift presentations. This experience deepened my appreciation for color, texture, and the tactile nature of materials.

While exploring the world of greeting cards and invitations, I was drawn to the idea of creating my own wrapping paper. Inspiration came from my personal collection of minerals, which I translated into vibrant paintings. This passion for capturing the essence of minerals fueled my desire to understand them further.

Life took some fun turns, with painting taking a backseat for a while. However, a new chapter unfolded when a ceramics studio opened nearby. A promise to a friend to take a class together rekindled my creative spark. This newfound passion for ceramics blossomed into “Totally Social Ceramics,” my current artistic endeavor.

At Totally Social Ceramics, I handcraft playful and unique ceramic pieces. Inspired by nature’s vibrancy and my love for color, I experiment with various techniques, shapes, and glazes. My goal is to create functional art that brings a touch of joy and whimsy to everyday life.

My artistic journey has been a continuous exploration. Whether it’s the detailed mineral paintings or the playful energy of my ceramics, my work reflects my ability to find beauty and inspiration in the world around me. I am constantly evolving as an artist, embracing new mediums and pushing the boundaries of creative expression.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A Week in LA: My Local Favorites

Food:
Sushi Enya: Indulge in their legendary Lemon Roll and Albacore Fried Onion Roll.
Tacos Zone: Don’t miss their incredible Mulitas with Suadero – trust me, it’s the best you’ll find.
Pa Ord Noodle: Savor authentic Boat Noodles, evoking memories of the Floating Market.
Playita: Enjoy the best fish tacos in LA (bring your own avocado!).
Grand Central Market: Explore the vibrant market and savor wood-fired pizza.
Tokyo Central: Discover a Japanese haven with everything from sushi to fresh karaage.
Dune: Treat yourselves to fresh Mediterranean flavors with handmade flatbread and delectable sauces.
California Donuts: Indulge in creative and delicious donuts at this iconic LA institution.
Yoga-Urt: Enjoy almond based ice cream and frozen yogurt in a back beautiful back patio

Activities:
Descanso Gardens: Hike through beautifully landscaped gardens and explore immersive museum exhibits.
Angels Flight: Experience the charm of this century-old funicular with stunning city views.
The Row: Discover unique boutiques and enjoy panoramic views from the rooftop parking lot.
The Short Stop & Zebulon: Dance the night away at these vibrant music venues.
Cabrillo Tide Pools: Explore the magical tide pools, remembering to dress warmly and bring a picnic.
LA Stair Walking Tour (Silver Lake): Get your heart pumping with this challenging but rewarding walks.
The Getty Museum: Immerse yourselves in art and enjoy breathtaking city views from the hilltop.
PCH Road Trip: Drive along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, stopping for lunch at Malibu Seafood.
Forest Lawn Cemetery & Museum: Explore the serene grounds and visit the intriguing museum exhibits.
Norton Simon Museum: Admire the impressive collection, especially the renowned Impressionist masterpieces.
The Mart Collective: A treasure trove of art, antiques, vintage items and props

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?
Making ceramics is physically demanding, but the reward of creating something beautiful makes it all worthwhile. My journey began with a promise to a friend to take a ceramics class together. We both craved a creative outlet, and a local studio had recently opened. What started as a casual class quickly transformed into a way of life. Working with clay is a cyclical process, requiring patience and attention as it moves through various stages. My initial few hours a week soon blossomed into a daily practice, fueled by a genuine passion. The supportive community at Claytivity Silver Lake has been instrumental in making this journey a true joy. The camaraderie and encouragement I have found there have been invaluable.

Website: https://www.totallysocialceramics.com

Instagram: totally_social_ceramics

Other: Etsy: totallysocialceramic
TikTok: totallysocialceramics

Image Credits
Melissa Mendavia
Zack Zarate