Meet Rita Vali | Ceramic Artist

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

Hi Rita, what do you attribute your success to?
I am always open to new challenges has brought personal and business growth. Both artistic growth and skill growth require discipline and perseverance. When opportunities present themselves, I’ve always reached out and embraced the discipline and the perseverance that is required to make it succeed. I also set high standards of quality and artistry for everything I make.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I make unique fine craft pottery that is modern and elegant. The pottery I make is modern, with a slight nod to mid century and scandinavian aesthetics. Clean lines, smooth exteriors, and graphic patterns and bold colors.  I’ve been making pottery for over 30 years, so my process and work have evolved. I worked as a biochemist in biotech for many years while also pursuing my ceramics career. MY transition to full time artist was gradual. My passion has always been ceramics. Switching careers to my own pottery business was motivated by my passion and the flexibility to raise my kids while pursuing my career. Before all the options for online sales and webstores were available, galleries and traveling to art festivals were my main venues, from which I developed a supportive audience for my artwork. Investing in branding and creating an online presence has greatly helped me expand my business. I also teach pottery at several Denver and Boulder studios. What I’ve learned is not unique to ceramics. Being the designer, maker, marketer, communicator, and studio manager is challenging, exciting and exhausting. Ceramics is a vast field, so focusing and developing my own line and brand took focus. Porcelain pottery is my main product, but I also love being involved in community art projects, and making public art installations.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Boulder County, where open spaces and proximity to the mountains makes the outdoors a big draw. NCAR is worth the trip for the architecture and the views. Catch an art film at the Dairy Center. Visit the Dushanbe Teahouse, BMoCA, walk along the Creek path up Boulder Canyon. Head to the mountains for breathtaking views and hikes.

In Denver, the Denver Art Museum, the Kirkland and the Clyford Still museums are musts. Poking around fun shops on South Broadway, The Tattered Cover Bookstore, RINO is fun for food , drink and galleries.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, JR, for supporting my pottery business as it’s grown, and changed over the years.

Website: ritavali.com

Instagram: @ritavaliceramic

Linkedin: Rita Vali

Facebook: rita Vali Ceramics