Meet Becca Doll-Tyler | Owner of Ninazuma Pottery/Public Health Nurse

We had the good fortune of connecting with Becca Doll-Tyler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Becca, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
One quote in particular has driven me for most of my adult life: “Each person is a product of how they spend their days.” There are many meaningful layers to this short line, but one thing about it that means the most to me is that the end product isn’t important when we write out our goals. It’s the daily grind, the practice, and the sacrifices you have to make every day in order to obtain the life you want to build for yourself. It’s a good reminder to relish the journey while living in a society that loves instant gratification. Ceramics is a slow process and having Ninazuma Pottery has been a humbling reminder to learn from each successful firing or botched glaze experiment because it is all a learning experience in becoming a better potter.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My mind craved a creative outlet while in nursing school. Lucky for me, my dear friend and mentor Billy Mac, encouraged me to delve into ceramics and start creating at the wheel. As a respite from homework and clinicals, I would go over to Bill’s studio, reconstitute 20-some year old clay and throw these wonky pieces. I was hooked. After nearly three years of practice, I wanted to set a goal of creating a meaningful studio name which I would lovingly label my handmade vessels. For me, having a name I was excited about would force me to create things I was proud to make and share with others. After a few months of back and forth conversations with my mom, we made up a brand name in November 2020, Ninazuma Pottery. Ninazuma is a compound name consisting of two words that carry a lot of meaning to me. My mama is from a small island off of Okinawa called Ikemajima. Zuma [島] is a word in the Ikema language of Okinawan [Uchinaaguchi], that means island. Nina [ニ奈] is my middle name, given to me by my mom to honor her oldest sister.

Beginning this pottery journey was incredibly special for me as an Uchinanchu-American because I felt a connection with the traditional Okinawan art called yachimun, a distinct form of pottery found in Okinawa. It is in creating functional pottery that I would like to creatively celebrate my roots as an Uchinanchu-American while also honoring these mountains that I live and play in. Our ability to share and connect with others through things we make is very special! For that reason, during each session at the wheel I set an intention. And for each piece I craft, I will wish them well on their new life as a functional piece. Each piece should carry that blessing and be a representation of who you are. And I honestly think that people can feel that energy as they drink their favorite beverages in a Ninazuma mug. Sharing my culture and love of nature has been the foundation for starting my own small business to sell my handmade pottery pieces, as I also continue to delve deeper in learning about my Okinawan heritage.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ouray is such a magical little town in the heart of the San Juans with incredible access to outdoor recreation! To show my friends a good time, we would definitely go on the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata for the amazing views of the valley. The next day I would take them on a mountain bike ride at the Rat Trails outside of Ridgway or even rent some e-bikes from Ouray E-Bike Rentals to cruise around Ouray. For lunch, I love going to the Ouray Brewery rooftop for burgers and beers. And to top everything off, we’d go relax at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool for a night soak.

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?
I would like to give a big ol’ shoutout to my dear friend Billy Mac. I was lucky enough to have him as a knowledgeable and zealous pottery mentor. I am eternally grateful to Bill, who has not only taught me everything I know about spinning clay but has also equipped me with a skillset and craft that I’ll cultivate for the rest of my life. I will forever cherish the studio days of drinking black coffee and talking about life with my friend Bill. And I also have to thank my number one supporter, my husband Logan. He’s my biggest cheerleader, a resource of infinite enthusiasm, and damn good at glazing pottery!

Website: www.ninazumapottery.com

Instagram: ninazumapottery

Image Credits
Travis Perkins