023: Rioanne Simeon
Born and raised on Guam, Rioanne Simeon is a ceramicist whose work serves as her creative and therapeutic outlet. Initially hesitant about ceramics due to feeling less skilled in 3D than in 2D, her perspective shifted when her husband sadly had a stroke. Seeking something to rebuild herself, ceramics became her medium of choice. Through the challenges of working with clay, she finds parallels in her own journey of personal growth.
Rioanne Simeon
For Rioanne, art transcends traditional boundaries. She believes anything created is art, whether it's food, architecture, or everyday objects. Her own artistry centers on ceramics, with a particular fondness for incorporating teddy bears and vibrant colors inspired by her lifelong companion, "Fluffy." Despite physical challenges like hand cramps and soreness from long hours of work, she finds solace and fulfillment in the creative process.
Rioanne Simeon
Rioanne's art is deeply personal, created for herself above all else. Yet, she finds joy in how others connect with her work. Through her signature teddy bear motif and katakana stamp, she leaves her mark on each piece.
Rioanne Simeon
Through her journey as a ceramicist, Rioanne's work has evolved, becoming thinner and more refined over time. Yet, her commitment to self-expression and the therapeutic power of art remains constant. Ultimately, Rioanne's art serves as a testament to the power of creativity and the resilience of the human spirit.
To read Rioanne’s full interview, continue reading below. You may also check out her Instagram. Thanks again!
Rioanne Simeon
Describe what you do.
My passion is ceramics. Most importantly ceramics is my therapy.
How would you define art?
Art is anything that is created. Anything is art. Food is art. A house is art. Even the toilet you sit on is art.
Why did you choose your art form?
I didn’t choose ceramics at first. Truthfully I was very hesitant because I was not as skilled in 3D than I was for 2D. But since my husband has a stroke, something in me changed. I needed something to help build myself up again and clay was the one. The fact that I get to build my work from scratch and go through the hardships of making my work, makes me feel like I’m building myself up again.
How has your ethnicity/race affected the type of art you make?
Ethnicity and race do not define my art. I make art for the sake of myself and nothing else.
How did you get into art?
I’ve always been interested in art since I was a kid, I would get excited when my teacher would have us make “clay” from dough and I would often play with play dough and make spaghetti.
Who do you idolize?
In terms of ceramics, I’d say Professor Lewis Rifkowitz from UOG. He makes it possible for me to enjoy ceramics. He is a true educator.
Where do you get your inspiration?
A common motif in my art is teddy bears. I still have my teddy bear “Fluffy”. She is 25 years old and she is my best friend. My stamp for my signature in ceramics is a teddy bear.
What do you do when you're stuck on an artwork or lacking motivation or inspiration?
I don’t usually get art block in ceramics. I love ceramics so much I have so many ideas I haven’t brought to life yet.
What do you like incorporating most into your art?
Teddy bears and bright colors. Lately I’ve also been adding flowers.
What is something that you add to your art as like your signature?
Teddy bear with my name in katakana “リオ” (Rio)
Take us through your process for making art.
I just make it. Sometime I sketch it out first but a lot of the time I just make it. Techniques I often use are slabs because it’s easy to control the thickness of the clay. I am a ceramicist and I love to make dinnerware like plates, bowls, and mugs. When I make my works, I like to burnish them because it will be easier for me to draw and glaze on a smoother surface.
What do you struggle with the most when making art?
I most struggle physically with my hands and arms because I would often work up to 3 to 5 hours at a time. My hands would cramp up and my arms would be sore.
What role do artists have in society?
You wouldn’t have a house to live in if it wasn’t for an architect and construction workers. Don’t forget that a toilet is made of porcelain and porcelain ceramics. We wouldn’t have any dinnerware if it wasn’t for ceramic and potters. We wouldn’t have clothes to wear if it wasn’t for designers. Everything is art.
What characteristics do you think all artists share?
All artists have to desire to bring ideas to life.
What’s your favorite place in Guam?
My favorite place on Guam is the Isla Center for the Arts and the ceramics studio.
How has your artwork evolved over time?
When started doing ceramics, my pieces were thicker. I found it hard to carry when it was too heavy so I started making them thinner and thinner. This way, I save more clay and I can make more things.
Why did you choose to become an artist?
I love creating.
Is your art geared towards a specific audience?
My art is geared towards me and me alone. I do it for myself and I do it for my mental health. Although I do notice that when people buy my art, they tell me how they relate to it, and it makes me happy.
Do you have any tips for aspiring artists?
Enjoy what you are creating and other people will notice it. Create art for yourself and not for other peoples approval.
