Meet Elizabeth Eisenstein | Potter & Owner of Community Ceramics Studio

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

Hi Elizabeth, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Creating ceramics is incredibly time-intensive. Aside from the labor involved in creating the actual work, each piece must be air dried slowly and thoroughly, and then fired in a kiln twice. Each firing takes nearly 24 hours, including cooling time. So when it comes to experimenting and creating custom work, it will take a long time to fully complete a new project. There are tests and samples that need to be done, and each of those must go through this same time-intensive process. Then adjustments need to be made (both to design and chemistry), and work recreated. Finalizing a product or work of art is a true achievement that can take weeks if you’re lucky, more likely months, and sometimes years.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I create mostly functional ceramics, with an emphasis on clean, simple silhouettes and earthy colors and textures. My most popular item is my Classic Mug, but I love creating more labor intensive vases that are sculptural and dynamic. In 2021 I moved my studio out of my garage and into a brick and mortar in the center of Yucca Valley. It began as a place solely for me and my own work, but once I began teaching pottery lessons I realized how much I love teaching and working with others. I soon opened up my studio to larger group classes, as well as memberships, and now my studio is vibrant and filled with people creating all sorts of amazing work. I love sharing my studio and working in a space that is filled with so much life and creativity. Unloading a kiln full of work made by all sorts of people is the most exciting part of my day. It is definitely not easy running a studio that is no longer private, but each day I learn something new and am so honored and grateful to be building something for our small desert community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d make sure to take them on a hike at Amboy Crater, which is about an hour north-east of Joshua Tree, in very remote desert. There are more and more restaurants and bars popping up in the high desert than ever before, so we’d stop at one of them for a bite to eat before venturing out. Along the drive, we’d stop at Raven’s Book Shoppe in 29 Palms, which has an incredible selection of used and rare books. Other activities might include a sound bath at the Integratron, a visit to Giant Rock (both the literal rock and the delicious pizza restaurant), vintage shopping, and of course plenty of hikes and drives through the gorgeous desert. I especially like driving through Joshua Tree National Park on either a night with a full moon, or a new moon. Both are incredible experiences, as the desert truly comes alive at night.

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?
Pasadena City College! This is where I first began my journey in ceramics, and their program truly changed my life. I signed up for a semester of beginner ceramics on a whim, but it quickly turned into an obsession, and then a career change. Their program is really outstanding, with great facilities and an inspiring faculty. I wouldn’t be where I am today without having taken that first class.

Website: zzieeceramics.com

Instagram: @zzieeceramics