Meet Susan Aach of Susan Aach Ceramics in City of San Diego

Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Aach.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Susan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, but have lived in Boston, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. I worked national sales in the wholesale clothing industry for most of my career, with my job requiring extensive travel, so I decided to make San Diego my home. Aside from Hawaii, you can’t beat the weather.

Although this work was financially rewarding, it didn’t allow me to express myself creatively. As luck would have it, I was laid off, allowing me time to pursue other interests such as outrigger paddling, non-profit volunteer work, and art classes. I began experimenting with drawing and painting classes at the San Diego Art Department in North Park. I was quickly introduced to the art world via Clay Associates in Normal Heights, where I started taking classes and was immediately hooked. It was a truly magical experience, that I couldn’t keep to a once-weekly class.

My girlfriend offered me part of her garage to use as a work area, and I quickly began to create platters and garden planters. My business epiphany came when an art dealer friend saw some of my work and asked if it was for sale. That’s when I decided that I could turn a hobby into a business. I quickly realized I could use my business knowledge amassed while working for others to sustain my own passion.

Fast forward to the present. I have a beautiful, fully equipped studio. I am living a potter’s dream. It started as a vision, but I took the practical steps along with an abundance of hard work to arrive at a place where I can be creative every day while financially sustaining my “artist lifestyle”.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Making the transition from sales executive to full time working potter was challenging both mentally and physically. I traded financial security in an industry I knew, for personal satisfaction and happiness. Then there is maintaining the balance of creating enough product to manage a thriving business, while still enjoying the creative process.

Susan Aach Ceramics – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Soon after I began working with clay, I discovered succulents, and began to collect them. I was fascinated with the vast variety, and with their sculptural nature. I wanted to honor these unusual plant creatures by creating distinct containers that are not only functional but complement their unique beauty.

Most of my work is hand-built, rather than using a potter’s wheel, so my planters are organic and one of a kind. My textures are identified by my personality and influenced by my spiritual connection to the environment. I feel that a piece of art should not be only visually pleasing, but interesting to the touch, therefore provoking a connection of the senses.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My personal success depends on continually learning and trying new things, with knowledge that there is the possibility of failure. A substantial portion of my work is in large custom pieces. There are many possible ways that something can go wrong in the process. Sometimes it’s a disaster, but sometimes is a surprising success.

The best part is that I wake up every morning and enjoy what I am doing. And, I am able to share my story and passion with others, which also brings joy to their lives. This is such a fast paced, crazy world we live in. Working with clay and plants has taught me to be a more patient, grateful, and compassionate human being. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.SusanAachCeramics.com
• Phone: 602-740-9690
• Email: SusansCeramicssd@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanaachceramics/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susansceramics619/
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SusanAachCeramics

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