Meet The Maker: Mai Warshafsky
A look into the work of Mai Warshafsky! Mai started as a member at the studio and now teaches Botanical Mementos, Darling Pinch Pots and other wonderful handbuilding classes in the studio. We are so happy to have her on board! We asked Mai a few questions about her life and practice - meet the maker.
HAND / THROWN: Tell us a little about you!
MAI WARSHAFSKY: I’ve always been into crafts and making things with my hands. I think the pandemic showed me that this part of me should be in the forefront of my life and no longer on the back burner. I finally feel like I’m fully embracing it in its true form!
HT: Tell us a little bit about the style of work you enjoy making most!
MW: I like making things from nature and maybe applying them in a not so natural way if that makes sense! Lately I’ve been into making what I call “menagerie plates” that are completely decorative. They’re generally food or botanical themed.
HT: What originally drew you to working with clay?
MW: I was a printmaker in college and had never worked in 3D before so naturally I was curious how my mind would respond. I tried wheel first and didn't take to it, but once I tried hand building it all came together for me.
HT: Where have you studied ceramics, if you have. Or who have you studied with that left a lasting impression?
MW: I studied hand building at La Mano Pottery in NYC with Richard Stauffacher. I really enjoyed his porcelain work. He was also generous with his knowledge and shared little tricks that I still use all the time.
HT: What type of clay do you work with and why?
MW: Brown speckled clay. I like the character and the speckled accents it brings to my work. Even through the glaze you can see that it’s made of earth.
HT: What is your favorite tool, why?
MW: Maybe the sponge! I literally use it every single time I sit down to work - sculpting and glazing.
HT: Who are some artists you admire, why?
MW: Morandi - sheer beauty in simplicity. Bernard Palissy - complete environments within the boundaries of a mere vessel. Andrea della Robbia - serenity and contrast. Schiaparelli - playfulness and humor.
HT: Where do you find inspiration for your work?
MW: Honestly, I find inspiration a lot in my mistakes.
HT: How do you start new ideas for projects and sculptures?
MW: I just go for it. I’m usually too excited to plan or map things out. I’ll keep doing it over until I think it’s right.
Bernard Palissy Platter
HT: What is your ideal studio day?
MW: Natural light, coffee and no plans for the entire day.
HT: Do you have a favorite step within your process?
MW: I like when all of my little objects are bisque fired and I can start arranging them and assigning them their glazes.
HT: Aside from being an incredibly talented ceramic artist, you own your own business Cafe Warshafsky! Tell us a little about it, how it started and how you balance that with creating your ceramic work now.
MW: I started Café Warshafsky back in 2014 when I was a server at Jack’s Wife Freda. I used to bake to decompress after my shifts and enjoyed practicing it because it is a craft, and a tasty one. I think I embraced it because it was creative but more approachable than my etchings and it gave me some relief from art. It took many years of work and it still makes me work very hard but it’s definitely fully established as a brand and product. I think that’s why I’m excited about my ceramic work because it’s new and I’m developing a new voice. Café Warshafsky is my bread & butter so it gets priority. When bakery work is done I pretty much do ceramics whenever I can in between.
HT: What’s your sign?
MW: Aquarius
HT: Cats or Dogs?
MW: Dogs all the way! I’m also the year of the dog on the Chinese Zodiac!
HT: What’s your favorite spring weather thing to do?
MW: I take a lot of walks. In the parks, in the woods, and I plant watch.
