Meet Milla Istomina | Ceramic artist

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

Hi Milla, what do you attribute your success to?
As a ceramic artist, every piece I make takes me weeks to complete. A process, during which a lump of clay is transformed into an object, is so deeply intimate, I am amazed every time somebody else likes it. The idea that people choose my pieces, appreciate my effort, interpret every item I make in their own way is the reason I haven’t given up.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
While I do have a few products I keep reproducing in small batches (planters, dinnerware, lanterns), I do enjoy creating one-of-a-kind items. I also take on commissions and create miniature house replicas and pet figurines.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Let’s imagine for a second that we are in a post-COVID world when you can actually go to places and do things, right? To anyone visiting LA, I would definitely recommend going to as many museums as possible. LA is full of amazing galleries, featuring works of art from all over the world. I will mention one, that is often overlooked by tourist guides: the Museum of Jurassic Technology. Now that’s a place where every kind of weirdo feels at home. Or is it just me?

Then come the bookshops: The Last Bookstore, Skylight books, Angel city books. Did I mention The Last Bookstore? While you are there, by the way, take a nice walk to Little Tokyo. You will find great gifts, books, and the highest quality stationary at the Kinokuniya bookstore.

Javista Organic Coffee Bar is a great place for a cup of coffee, and, forgive me for stating the obvious, but the best ice cream is served by Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.

If you are looking to catch a breath, stop by Barnsdall Art Park. There is nothing better than half an hour under the marvelous jacaranda trees. And, if the Hollyhock House is open for visitors, don’t give it a miss, or else you might never want to have a pool in your living room.

You can find the most unusual gifts at Gold Bug, and if you are looking to send a thoughtful gift to an Angeleno – check out
Flamingo Estate’s many services.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would definitely say that if it was not for Barnsdall Art Center BACSAC (@barnsdallartcenter) who knows how long it would have taken me to finally try my hand at ceramics. So, if anybody deserves a Shoutout, it’s Barnsdall Art Center instructors and staff.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mistceramics/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.istceramics/