Meet Emilia Ealom | Ceramic Artist and Educator

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

Hi Emilia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My career has come full circle in many ways. I began as a ceramic artist right out of college, but soon felt the pull toward what I thought was a ‘more professional’ path. I returned to graduate school and became a licensed mental health clinician, working as a therapist for over a decade. While that work was meaningful, life experience gradually revealed that true fulfillment comes from living in alignment with who I am at my core. That realization led me back to ceramics full time—a return not just to art, but to a way of being that reflects my strengths, values, and personality.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I pride myself on making functional pottery that is accessible to everyone. My focus is on quality craftsmanship, and I’m inspired by the idea that handmade objects can impact people’s lives in quiet but meaningful ways. I hold the traditions of handmade pottery in high regard, and I’m committed to keeping my process as hands-on as possible. I use minimal tools, mix all my own glazes, and create custom surface designs—each piece is a reflection of my personal engagement with the materials.

The chemistry and technical aspects of ceramics excite me. I believe it’s essential to have a deep understanding of my materials and processes in order to work at the top of my capabilities. Over the years, I’ve developed my skills primarily through trial and error, driven by curiosity and a commitment to problem-solving. I approach challenges as opportunities to learn more about my craft, constantly refining my methods to bring my creative visions to life.

Resilience is a vital trait for any ceramic artist. Working with clay and glaze inevitably involves failure, but I’ve learned to embrace these moments as part of the process. They’ve shaped not only my growth as an artist but also my development as a human being.

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?
Colorado has so much to offer anyone who visits! As an avid live music fan, I believe everyone should experience a concert at Red Rocks at least once—there’s truly nothing like it- it’s one of my favorite places on earth. I’m a Denver native, born and raised in the southwest part of town, and I love supporting local, family-owned restaurants like Looking Good, Torres Mexican Restaurant, and Osaka Sushi.

For a perfect day trip, I’d head to Golden to walk along Clear Creek, grab an empanada at San Telmo Market, and browse the shops and galleries downtown.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m incredibly grateful to my husband, Richard Ealom. Without his unwavering support, encouragement, and love, I don’t believe I would have had the opportunity—or the courage—to transition back to working full time as an artist. He has helped me in countless ways to realize my dreams and make them a reality. I also owe a great deal to the mentors who shaped me early in my career—Frank Gray, Lisa Hammond, and the artisans of Guaitil, Costa Rica. Their guidance taught me how to throw and work with clay, provided me with formative experiences, and nurtured my love and excitement for functional pottery.

Website: https://EBEpottery.com

Instagram: @ebepottery

Image Credits
photos taken by Richard Ealom