Meet Nana Johnson | Ceramicist & Artist

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

Hi Nana, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
As the founder of Maro Ceramics, I am passionate about creating unique, handcrafted pieces that reflect my personal interests in ceramics, plants, and anime. Combining these hobbies has been the driving force behind the success of my brand, allowing me to create products that cater to a specific niche market and establish an authentic brand identity. By staying true to my interests, I have been able to connect with customers who share my passions, creating a strong sense of community and loyalty amongst my audience.

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.
Maro Ceramics is all about functional art that brings joy into everyday life. What sets my art apart is my focus on creating cute and unique pieces that are both beautiful and practical. I am most proud of my Chibi Garden collection, which features mini pots decorated with adorable characters which showcase my love for nature and beauty.

Getting to where I am today has not been easy, but I am grateful for every step of the journey. It has taken me a long time for my art to get noticed, but I am thrilled to see my hard work finally paying off. One of the biggest challenges I have faced as an artist is holding myself accountable for setting standards and deadlines for my projects. However, I have learned the importance of documentation and timekeeping, which helps me to accurately price my pieces and make sure that my business is sustainable.

I want the world to know that art can be functional and obtainable. They should not be afraid of using and interacting with pieces. I hope that my art brings joy into people’s lives and inspires others to create things that make themselves happy.

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.
If I were to take someone around Dallas, I would start by visiting the Dallas Museum of Art and the Crow Museum to admire the incredible artwork on display. After that, we would take a leisurely walk around Klyde Warren Park to soak up some sun and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The next day, we would head over to the Bishop Arts District to check out the various restaurants, art galleries, and plant shops. As the day winds down, we would head over to Greenville Avenue for dinner at my all-time favorite ramen restaurant, Wabi House. For manga and stationary lovers, I’d take them to the Carrollton Square area where we can explore Kinokuniya and purchase some cute stationery and books. Then we can try some delicious Korean food at one of the many restaurants in the area. Finally, if we’re in the mood for games, we can head over to Farm + Feed for dinner, drinks, and some video or board games.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Firstly, I want to thank my husband for his unwavering belief in me and for always pushing me to pursue my dreams of becoming an artist. His support and encouragement have been crucial in helping me overcome any doubts or fears that I may have had along the way. He has been my rock and my biggest cheerleader, and I am grateful to have him in my life.

Secondly, I want to shoutout the local Dallas art community for their constant inspiration and support. Being part of this community has allowed me to connect with other artists and creatives who share my passion and love for art. Through workshops, exhibitions, and other events, I have been introduced to new ideas and techniques that have helped me grow as an artist. Additionally, the support and encouragement from fellow artists and art lovers have been invaluable in helping me stay motivated and inspired.

Website: maroceramics.com

Instagram: @maroceramics

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/nana-johnson/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/maroceramics