Meet Veronica PremDas | Ceramicist & Printmaker

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

Hi Veronica, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve been an introvert since the beginning and always loved making art in solitude. With my parents support the arts became a vehicle for my social engagement and self-discipline. From K-12 I was very active in musical theater programs, art, and dance classes. Later on I studied Art History and Fine Arts post-secondary and spent the start of my career living in a creatively robust and civically engaged community in Nashville, TN working for the Frist Art Museum. I learned from many talented museum professionals, viewed internationally recognized exhibitions, and met artists from all over the world with unique perspectives. Those experiences are still with me everyday. Making art is what I love and I find that the creative process energizes me, plus being tactile gives me a great sense of productivity and purpose.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My business is called “Premadasa”. It’s a Sanskrit term loosely interpreted as a devotee to love or one who serves others with compassion.

I make utilitarian earthenware using commercially sourced clay and glazes. I also create original linocut prints. For both mediums I incorporate elements of nature and geometric patterning. Most respite for me comes in the form of camping and hiking throughout Colorado during the warmer months where I sketch and photograph the scenes to take back into the studio for inspiration. I enjoy that each of my pieces finds a home in the everyday person and hopefully brings a touch of beauty and nature into their lives. Right now I’m experimenting with silk-screening techniques to make my own ceramic decals. Plus I’m preparing for some upcoming creative collaborations with other local entrepreneurs.

As it relates to pursuing a creative business I’m most proud of my consistency. I still work a demanding full-time job so finding the time to get my business up and running is a recipe that requires equal parts patience, strategic planning, and self-determination. I set very clear goals for myself and work to achieve them each day no matter how big or small the task might be. I follow the “If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit” philosophy. I’m also highly caffeinated and have a really wonderful therapist!

I live at the crossroads of intersectionality. I hope that my experiences (the good and the bad) inspire others to pursue the lifestyles, careers, relationships etc. that suit them irrespective of other’s preconceived notions. Be authentic. Be yourself. Follow your gut.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Stratton Open Space, Cottonwood Center for the Arts for First Friday, Old Colorado City History Center, Dynamo Coffee Roasting, Coati, Eclectic Colorado, Cerberus Brewing Co., Ladyfingers Letter Press, Ivywild, & Rocky Mountain National Park.

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?
My parents and older brother always encouraged my artistic nature. My partner, Jordan has also encouraged me to pursue my art full-time which is a huge relief. He’s actually spent the past few months building my ceramic studio on our property in Colorado Springs.

Right now I work from Cottonwood Center for the Arts. I’ve met several talented makers and mentors there including the pottery studio managers Kris Saxton and Dina Bredahl, along with fellow potter and photographer, Victoria Atencio.

Ashley Affleck-Johnson hosted a stellar art market this year sponsored through the Old Colorado City History Center that I was lucky enough to participate in. She fostered a very supportive network of vendors.

Ashley Maniscalco of Sunflower and Sundries. Ashley is one of the smartest, business-savviest, and heartfelt people that I know. She’s brought me into the fold for several upcoming collaborations.

Will and Leah, owners of Dynamo Coffee. They have a beautiful coffee shop in northeast Colorado Springs and allowed me to display a small portfolio of my print-work this year.

Website: http://veronicapremdas.weebly.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/v.premadasa/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PremadasaArt/