Creator's Corner: Jaclyn Souza | Uzumati Ceramics

Tell us a little about yourself and your creative background: 

Hi there! My name is Jaclyn Souza — Founder and Ceramist behind Uzumati Ceramics. Creative endeavors have always been a passion of mine and a driving source of my happiness. If you walk through my home in the Bay Area, Ca — you’ll notice that almost everything was made by myself or my husband and I. It wasn’t until September of 2017 that I finally made art my full-time job when I launched Uzumati.

When and how did you come up with the idea for your shop, Uzumati?

I was working a job that was not satisfying and just pushing through till the weekend when I could get outside. My schedule gave me a lot of early evening free time and I was looking for something to fill the space, so I signed up for a beginners ceramic class at a local studio and fell in love instantly! A few months after starting, I purchased a wheel so I could throw at home any chance I got.

Rolling into 2017, I unfortunately lost my sister which prompted me to start making a lot of changes in my life. A couple months passed and I purchased a kiln, quit my full-time job and went for it! It was by-far the best decision I have ever made and I haven’t looked back.

Describe your connection to nature, and how it influences your art?

I grew up in a small town in Northern California. From an early age I was drawn to nature, vividly remembering collecting grasshoppers during elementary recess and sneaking them into my desk cubby to play with during class. My parents also took us kids camping a lot but as I transitioned into high school and went on to college, my time was taken up by sports. I was introduced to my now husband Alex and it was our connection and the end of collegiate sports that reintroduced nature back into my life.

We starting climbing together and since then have carved out a lifestyle that fosters adventure. Most of our free time is spent scaling the granite walls of the High Sierra. My experience in the mountains influence my work and the artist I am today.

1% of your sales go towards important environmental causes. Is there a particular environmental issue that you are passionate about?

“Keeping public lands in public hands is something that I am passionate about. Without public lands, I would not have my circle of friends, lifestyle, hobbies, career, and happiness. Educating people how to recreate responsibly is the ticket to keeping these beautiful places wild and in our hands. ”

Keeping public lands in public hands is something that I am passionate about. Without public lands, I would not have my circle of friends, lifestyle, hobbies, career, and happiness. Educating people how to recreate responsibly is the ticket to keeping these beautiful places wild and in our hands. Most recently, my husband and I took 6 kiddos backpacking for their first time — It was such an amazing experience! Watching them discover the wonders of the high country along with teaching them proper etiquette like leave no trace principles was priceless. While hiking out, my daughter (6) said “If I could have any super power it would be to clean up all the trash off the ground”. This moment was so special to me!

Do you have creative habits or rituals that help you stay focused? 

When I first started working from home as my own boss I was stoked, but right away I realized how easy it was to get distracted. For me to be as present as possible I need to have a clean creative space and movement. Most mornings start with coffee and a quick clean up of the house. After, I hit the gym or a local yoga studio. Once home, I settle in by lighting candles and burning an incense while I write out my to throw list for the day.

The first piece I throw is always something random and usual an epic fail. As my husband often says “you always throw out your first pancake” — such a silly saying but so true. As a self-taught ceramist, who works alone, everything I’ve learned was through trial and error.

Earlier this year, you forced yourself to take a vacation and went to Thailand. As a creative whose work and passion are so intertwined, how was time away beneficial for your craft and business?

I was so nervous to take off to Thailand. Would people still be interested in my work? Would I still want to do this when I got back? Would I have way too many emails to handle when I got home? I had many worries leading up to the trip but honestly it was the best thing I could have ever done for myself! Self love and stillness is so important and its something I am slowly learning to add into my life more often. After returning from the trip, work picked up right where it left off, and I was more refreshed and inspired than ever!

What is the proudest moment in your creative journey so far?  

“When I decided to take the leap and start this journey, one of my main goals, besides keeping a roof over my head, was to be able to give back to my community and causes that I feel passionate about. ”

I’ve had many small victories throughout my journey but my proudest moment was launching Uzumati. It’s such a surreal moment when you finally open yourself and your personal work up to the world. Uzumati has been so well received and I couldn’t be more proud!

Second to launching was when I officially becoming apart of 1% For the Planet. When I decided to take the leap and start this journey, one of my main goals, besides keeping a roof over my head, was to be able to give back to my community and causes that I feel passionate about. Last fall I hosted my first fundraiser and surpassed my goal for a donation to the Bears Ears Educational Center Kickstarter Campaign. It’s a damn good feeling when people are supporting my work and the environmental issues I am passionate about.

Are you creatively satisfied? 

100%!!! I often get asked ‘how can you throw mugs all day long and not get bored?’ First of all, I don’t normally throw the same product all day long unless it’s holiday prep. But even when I do, each mug feels different than the last and it's so satisfying bringing a lump of clay to life and knowing that it will soon be apart of someones home and daily rituals. Making the first throw of each day a new form that's way out of my league also fuels my creativity. I get a rush seeing how far I can take the clay — odd I know! 

What are you most excited about right now?  

Im coming off a high from a show (Renegade Craft) I recently did. It was my first big show and to say it was successful is an understatement! I often think about my work and how touching the clay or smelling the handpoured candles would really be a selling point — and the show proved just that. I was thrilled and beyond grateful for how many people came out to meet me, chat, see the pieces first-hand, and support my small business. I am also really excited for Uzumati’s 1 year anniversary and the holidays. I have a lot of fun ideas coming down the pipeline that I cant wait to share!

Finish these sentences

My guiding value is accepting that I am human.
1. Experience the journey and the results will come.
2. Keep your attention focused on your goals, but don't miss out on all the great experiences going on around you right now.
3. Make time for self love.

I lose track of time when I step inside a nursery.

I can listen to "The Doctor's Pharmacy" over and over again.

Mt. Conness holds a special place in my heart because I married my best friend on it’s summit last summer.

I believe "when we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.” John Muir

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Uzumati on Instagram - @uzumaticeramics
Uzumati Website - https://www.uzumaticeramics.com/
All photos taken by Alex Souza 

The Best Gear for Summer Hiking

I will preface this post by admitting I am not a gear junkie, or a technical expert. I don't shop every season for the newest products, or even know what the latest and greatest performance apparel is.

But I do appreciate quality made products that are built to last, and I like supporting companies that advocate for the environment and actively participate in taking care of it.

When I'm purchasing new gear, I ask myself a few questions; 

Quality/Functionality - What are the materials? Can I wear or use it for more than one activity? How long will it last? 
Comfort - Can I move and groove without ripping seems?  How well does it fit my body type? Will it still feel good day 3 of a camp or hiking trip? 
Sustainability -  How is the product made? How does it affect global environmental issues? Does the company have a mission that aligns with reducing pollution and using recycled materials? 

Below are 10 items I've tested (and fallen in love with) on the trails from the Pacific Northwest to New Zealand. *Before purchasing straight from the store, look for used gear at second hand shops (like Assent Outdoors in Seattle) or online at REI's used gear website. They select and inspect the gear and clothing before putting it up for sale. This helps keep useful products out of landfills! 

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1.) Patagonia Ascensionist Pack 35 LB
I dig this bag because it's light and versatile. On longer hikes when I need to pack more, I can release the compression straps on the sides to manage a larger load. There is a foam back panel that provides structure and it has super soft/padded hipbelts. The top pouch is great for keeping important things within reach and the only qualm I have is that it lacks a seperate section for a hydration bladder.

2.) Sawyer Water Filtration System:
I have the squeeze water filtration and the S1 filter and purifier. You can get over 1500 uses out of the S1 filter and it was designed to remove bacteria, protozoa, chemicals and pesticides while improving the taste and odor of the water.  The purifier uses a proprietary foam membrane in a durable silicone bottle in which molecules stick to the surface of the adsorbent foam. Kinda wild right? 

* Get Involved: Help bring clean water to people that need it by donating a filter–or any amount toward the purchase of one–through one of their many international humanitarian partners.

3.) Non-Toxic Sunscreen: 
SPF 15 is the minimum rating dermatologists recommend, and it should be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure. The FDA recommends re-application every two hours regardless of the SPF rating. Look for a sunscreen that’s labeled “broad spectrum” which will shield skin from both UVB and UVA rays. And remember that the higher you climb, the more intense the sunlight (and potential to burn) will be. 

• Clean Sunscreens to Try: Coola Sunscreen, All Good, Sawyer

4.) Sawyer Picadin Insect Repellent: 
One thing that can ruin what should be a wonderful outdoor experience is a swarm of relentless biting insects. Mosquitos are particularly pesky in the Northwest as are ticks early in the season. One time, Jared and I backpacked to an alpine lake and the mosquitoes were SO bad that we immediately pitched our tent and stayed there for the rest of the evening. The sun wasn't setting for another 5 hours, but there were droves of them so we cooked dinner in the tent and fell asleep early. 

• Sawyer’s 20% Picaridin insect repellent is non-greasy, offers all day protection, actually has a pleasant smell (citrus), and is safe for use on adults as well as children. The repellent comes in a spray and lotion form. 

5.) Topo Women's Tech Pants:
I can't walk out of the house without receiving a compliment on these pants. I wore them hiking all over New Zealand and they've become my trusty travel pants. The tailored fit is ultra stretchy, lightweight and breathable. I use the cinch chord locks at the ankles to crop them below my knee in hotter weather, and they have a durable water repellant finish which is great for someone like me who spills often and loves the water. 

6.) Keen Women's Hiking Boots Targhee 2: 
A trail tested favorite. I've hiked in these boots for the last 5 years and appreciate how easy they are to break in. The boots are super supportive, comfortable and lightweight. They have durable waterproof protection that stands up to wet weather, and the outsoles have great traction. I prefer low cut boots to high cut that wrap around the ankle and have used these for day hikes as well as 4 day backpacking trips. 

7.) Chaco Sandals - Women Z2 Classic Wide Width: 
After miles of hiking, nothing feels better than taking off my boots and switching over to sandals. Gotta let those feet breath! I stole Jared's pair (which he has had for a decade) for the longest time before finally getting my own. The adjustable straps custom-fits to your foot and a toe-loop for additional forefoot control. They are on the heavier side for sandals but they are the most durable I've ever used. 

8.) Marmot Dreamweaver Jacket: 
I wish summer automatically meant solid 80-degree temperatures no matter where I am and what time of day. But summer storms are real, and wind tends to visit us on the summit of a mountain. I throw this jacket on over my fleece or puffy for extra warmth. It's waterproof, breathable, seam-sealed and incorporates stretch shell material. 

9.) Eno Double Nested Hammock: 
This hammock tucks into a integrated stuff sack, making it super easy to toss into your backpack for a day hike. It's lightweight (weighing just over a pound) and can sleep 2 people - great for that afternoon nap to rest your mind and muscles.  

10.) Hydroflask Water Bottle:
The build quality is better than most water-bottles (I can attest with the number of times I've dropped it) and the insulated double-wall keeps your water ice cold, or coffee piping hot. It's not that lightweight, and the wide mouth version doesn't fit in cupholders, but I will sacrifice for gulps of cold water after a hot hike day. 

Creator's Corner: Laura Hughes | Women on the Road

You are a multi-talented woman! Tell us a little about your creative background and how you spend your time: 

I do like to dabble! It’s taken me a while to see that as a strength, but in the past year I’ve really been leaning into it and it’s allowed me to be open to more opportunities and projects than I could have imagined. 

My creative work has its strongest roots in photography. From the time I was 10, I was taking photos with a cheap point and shoot of the horses that lived at the end of the street in my neighborhood. That passion slowly evolved over time into various side hustles that would support me during grad school, invigorate me on my travels, and ultimately become a facet of my creative career as a women’s retreat and outdoor recreation tour group photographer. If I’m being completely honest, the reason I asked for a camera from my parents in the first place was because my sketch art was always being compared to a very talented childhood friend, and I wanted to try something else that nobody else was doing and remove competition from my close friendship.

“While it might have been to avoid unwanted critique, photography gave me the freedom to be ‘me’ with my art.”

Writing, for me, falls into a similar bucket, but unlike photography I have never worried about comparison with my words. It’s been a passion since childhood and something I will always do because I love it. I am infatuated with the power of language. I strive to make people feel something. My childhood self wanted to publish a book someday, and I hope to make that happen eventually. 

Photo by Janette Casolary

In the past year, I’ve grown into creating audio stories as a podcast host and producer. It’s been a completely new experience for me-- not just in the technical aspect, but also in the medium. Our voices are mediums. And in a text-driven culture, it can be easy to feel disconnected from your voice. But our voices hold so much emotion and vulnerability. We make deep connections when we use our voices. I love that podcasting not only requires that I bring my most genuine and thoughtful voice to the table, but it calls others to do so as well.
 

“Writing, for me, falls into a similar bucket, but unlike photography I have never worried about comparison with my words. It’s been a passion since childhood and something I will always do because I love it.”

When and how did you come up with the idea for your podcast, Women on the Road?
I can’t take much credit for the concept of “Women On The Road”, but sometimes with being a creative, opportunities really hinge on relationships and pitches. Women On The Road began as a written interview series on She-Explores.com (founded by Gale Straub), and as it happens I wrote a short piece there on how the podcast got started. I encourage you to check it out for the whole story!

Laura's home and office where she records Women on the Road episodes. Photo by Shane Eubank

What has been the biggest challenge of working on the road? And how have you handled it?  Because sound is one of my main mediums currently, I’ve become keenly aware at how difficult it can be to truly find a consistently quiet place to record or interview! Everything from the whoosh of a truck passing by to the wind or rain slapping the roof of the camper can make a difference in the quality of the recording. Some things are within my control, and I’ve learned some techniques to help dampen sounds (it’s called pillows around the mic, and a blanket over your head-- true story!), but sometimes the ambience is unavoidable. That’s when I have to decide to either be patient and record again another time, or to let the sounds add to the story and the feel of being on the road in some way. Making that call always depends on my feeling at the time, or any deadlines I’m up against, but in the end the show always comes out how it’s supposed to: raw and real and a little bit quirky.

What does a typical day look like for you?
I typically make the most of my mornings by getting in calls, interviews, and recordings as early as possible before lunch. That’s when I’m most productive, and so I leverage that. I make decisions less effectively later in the day, and that’s when my creativity begins to come to the surface in a more prominent way. So I’ll tap into my creative side then: editing photos, writing pieces, and piecing together podcast episodes. Sometimes that means I stay up way too late, but I try to keep that in check most nights.

Photo by Shane Eubank

“And being a dynamic creative (the doer-of-all-master-of-none type), I am also a huge proponent of switching things up if I’m not feeling inspired by a certain aspect of my work on a given day, so long as no deadlines are riding on it. ”

Do you have creative habits or rituals that help you stay focused? I think it comes back to the time of day, for one-- leveraging the energy I know I have, when I know I’m most likely to have it. And being a dynamic creative (the doer-of-all-master-of-none type), I am also a huge proponent of switching things up if I’m not feeling inspired by a certain aspect of my work on a given day, so long as no deadlines are riding on it. If I’m feeling like I want to listen to more music while I work-- something I can’t do while I’m editing audio-- then I switch over to writing for a day, or even a few hours, to get that jolt I need to get back to my podcasting.

What influences your creativity? 

I’ve actually been thinking about this a lot recently! Conversations are, first and foremost, the biggest influencer of my creativity. I love human brains, human stories, and human emotions. Human hearts. They’re beautiful, and imperfect, and often times people will say the most inspired things without realizing it. I always make a practice of calling those thoughts out when I hear them, and taking those moments back with me to weave into my writing, my storytelling, and my own personal reflections and growth. 

Recording for the Women on the Road Poscast with She-Explores Founder, Gale Straub Photo by Jules Davies

I look to the outdoors as another crucial source of my creativity. Everything words and conversations can’t give me rest within the outdoors. As a visual and an audio creative, I love seeing and hearing what nature shows us daily. I’ve always been about appreciating the little things, and on days I feel uninspired I am often forgetting just how miraculous this earth is. There’s nothing like bending over a small stream to listen to it trickle through headphones, or laying on the ground to get just the right rays of light on a tree, to remind you that everything on this planet counts. Including us.
 

What is your proudest moment in your creative journey so far?  

Oof, that’s a tough one! Honestly, the most proud moments I’ve had in my creative journey have been all the small, seemingly meaningless times I’ve said “yes”. Yes to opportunities that made me nervous. Yes to an idea someone pitched to me that I wasn’t sure about. Yes to myself when am idea registered in my mind that wasn’t quite fully baked, but felt good on gut instinct.

One of the biggest “yes” moments I have ever had as a creative was the summer I said I would begin shooting weddings, about 10 years ago. It was my first season of paid photography work, and I dove in with no prior experience, no second shooter, and arguably not enough memory cards (which I learned all too quickly!). My very first wedding was stressful. I worried about my batteries dying. I was anxiety-ridden about making sure I got the couple’s first kiss. I didn’t know the right way to make sure I got food at the reception. I went to bed in a daze when I got home, unsure how I was going to complete the season of gigs I signed myself up for-- but when I saw the photos I took the next morning, I was immediately energized and ready to do more. Somehow, I had pulled it off. I knew I would have a lot of growing to do that summer, but I also knew that my gut “yes” response had led me in the right direction.

“Honestly, the most proud moments I’ve had in my creative journey have been all the small, seemingly meaningless times I’ve said “yes”. Yes to opportunities that made me nervous. Yes to an idea someone pitched to me that I wasn’t sure about. Yes to myself when am idea registered in my mind that wasn’t quite fully baked, but felt good on gut instinct.”

Photo by Janette Casolary

Are you creatively satisfied? Right now, more than ever. I’m in a fortunate place of continual growth and challenges within my three disciplines. I know it won’t last, but at this point in time I feel like I’ve bitten off just enough to chew on for the foreseeable short term. And when that satiation fades, it’ll be time to say “yes” to something I’m more unsure of but feels good on gut instinct.

What are you most excited about right now?  

The Women On The Road podcast is doing incredibly well when it comes to generating new content, building a supportive community, and giving back to every person out there who wants to know more about road travel from a feminine perspective. I’m excited for how far we’ve come with the show, and also for the potential it holds in the short and long term future.

I’m also incredibly excited about finding my photography niches. I’ve come a long way from taking any gig that came my way, to taking the gigs that I know I’ll be the best fit for. You have to have a reasonable amount of confidence to say no when a client wants you to be their photographer. It’s flattering and it feels nice to have your work be sought after  in this competitive space. But I’ve learned that saying yes to work that doesn’t serve your purpose is not only doing the client a disservice, but it’s doing you a disservice by limiting your ability to get what you want in the future. I’m excited that at this point, I’ve said no to work that doesn’t fire me up enough times that I don’t hesitate anymore… and it’ll hopefully set me up to attract more of the work I want moving forward.
 

Photo by Shane Eubank

What's your vision for your future? I want to keep furthering my ability to help others tell their stories, whether that’s through modeling raw stories myself, or crafting podcasts, photos, or written pieces showcasing the experience of others. Also-- I believe in the power of manifestation, so I’ll just say it: I want to publish a book. 

Finish these sentences

My guiding value is growth.

I lose track of time when I’m finding just the right music for a podcast episode!

I can read The Alchemist over and over again

Sedona holds a special place in my heart because its golden colors and warmth fill a deep need within. 

I believe you can.
 

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Laura Hughes on Instagram - @howsheviewsit
Women On The Road on Instagram - @womenontheroad
Listen to Women On The Road on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, on She-Explores.com, and anywhere you stream stories.

Simple Summer Salad Recipe

Whenever we're invited to a friend's for dinner, I always insist on bringing the salad. It used to be because I didn't trust my cooking skills and it's really difficult to mess up a salad.  I'm more confident in the kitchen these days but more often than not still end up as the salad lady. I'm skilled in getting those leafy greens on the table. 

Years ago, my sister-in-law told me that the best salads always contained 3 things; nuts for texture, fruit for sweetness, and cheese for, well deliciousness.  I would add a fourth necessity and throw in avocados. If you are allergic to any of those things, I'm so sorry. This salad recipe is not for you. For everyone else, be the salad person and use this recipe for your next picnic or BBQ. 

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Salad Ingredients (makes enough for 4-6 people)

• 3 cups of spinach spinach 
• 1/2 one large red onion
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup diced up strawberries strawberries
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup crushed walnuts
• DRESSING - generous amounts of basil olive oil and Meyer lemon balsamic > both of which can be found at my sister-in-law's shop in Leavenworth or online | The Olive Oil and Vinegar Store

Creator's Corner: Michelle Zeidman | Modern Nature Art

Tell us a little about yourself and your creative background: 
I grew up in California, drawing, painting, and running through the tall grass that surrounded my rural home in what is now wine country. As a child, I was shy and art was my refuge. I was fortunate to study art in school from kindergarten up through my senior year of high school, where I earned an International Baccalaureate certificate in Art & Design. 

I majored in Environmental Studies in college and then earned a Master degree in Public Administration and a Master in Urban Planning—all from the University of Washington. It wasn’t until I was traveling around the world in 2014 & 2015, that I rediscovered my passion for creating art. 
 

“My art is a tribute to all that is wild and free. I hope that my drawings and paintings inspire others to fight for the protection of wildlife and for the conservation of wild places. ”

When and how did you come up with the idea for your shop, Modern Nature Art? My shop was born a few years ago in response to inquiries from friends and family about how to buy my art. The shop started with just one thing—a 2016 calendar of my line art wildlife drawings. Over the years, it has grown to include originals, art prints, and now a coloring postcard book. 

Describe your connection to nature, and how it influences your art: I grew up in nature—picking wildflowers, basking in the glow of California’s rolling golden hills, chasing waves on its rocky coastlines, and watching birds and growing food in the backyard with my mom. In my late teens, I hiked, kayaked, caved, climbed, and backpacked avidly in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and across the West. 

I am inspired to create art so I can be close to nature all the time—even when I’m in my tiny condo in Seattle. My art is a tribute to all that is wild and free. I hope that my drawings and paintings inspire others to fight for the protection of wildlife and for the conservation of wild places. 

You recently took part in #The100DayProject, a free global art project that is intended to nurture and sustain the creative spirit through small daily acts for 100 days. What was your project and how did it go?

I did my first 100 Day Project in 2017: #100daysofModernNatureArt2give. I drew wild and endangered animals and gave away an original or print of each drawing via Instagram. My art now lives in 12 countries and 17 states. I was surprised by the outpouring of love for my work. It took me nearly 200 days to complete my project, and over that time, my drawings improve mightily. 

This year my project is #100daysofNaturescapes and includes drawings, paintings, and hand-fabricated enamel and silver jewelry. 
 

Do you have creative habits or rituals that help you stay focused? I try to draw, paint, or make jewelry every day. Often I create before work in the still morning light. I bring art supplies wherever I go, from my SUP on Greenlake to the mountain tops of the Cascade range, and especially when I’m traveling in other countries. 

What is your proudest moment in your creative journey so far?  This year has been a series of proud and surprising moments for me. One of my paintings was accepted into a juried art show in Texas. A series of my drawings and watercolors were licensed by a Letterpress company for a line of greeting cards. An artist I admire invited me to join a small works show in California. Multiple shops sold my 2018 calendar and are selling my postcard coloring book. And I’ve had three solo exhibits in local shops so far this year! Plus a great gallery in Bow, Washington just took on my entire line of enamel and silver jewelry. I hardly believe all these things have happened in under a year, and I feel super grateful for my fans and supporters. 

Are you creatively satisfied? Creating keeps me satisfied and happy. When I bore of one type of artistic expression, I pick another. And I’m quite content right now with my mix of drawing, painting, and silversmithing. 

What are you most excited about right now? I’m getting very excited about a kayak camping trip we’re taking in Canada’s Broken Islands. It’s a new destination for me and I just love exploring wild places!

Finish the sentence...

My guiding value is generosity

I lose track of time when I’m drawing or painting.

I can read “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card over and over again.

Yosemite NP holds a special place in my heart because it was the first place I spent much time in a wild place and I was awestruck by the magnificence of its soaring granite rock faces and surging waterfalls.

I believe that wildlife and natural places should be protected and cherished

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Retail: ModernNatureArt.etsy.com
Portfolio: www.ModernNatureArt.com
IG: @michelle.zeidman