c o m m u n i t y // Community is the foundation of my work and personal life. I rarely share details of my life outside of ceramics on Instagram. Today I want to open my heart and share with this community. Recently, I experienced the sudden devastating loss of my amazing mother while visiting my hometown in Puerto Rico. This loss has broken my heart and filled my heart because of the community that surrounds and supports me. Thoughtful messages from my friends arrived daily, letting me know I was loved and supported. Traveling home to LA was emotional on many levels.
 When I got home, My friends had collectively organized to fill my fridge with food, filled my house with flowers, and surprised me with a refreshed backyard to help me heal with the above message. It touched and moved me to tears, and I will forever be grateful to each of them. The newly revamped garden incorporated my mom's love of plants, especially orchids. She had a green thumb that I would try my best to honor. I'm learning to be more vulnerable while also accepting the waves of grief caused by loss. I am honoring that only time will heal my heart. One of the most challenging pieces is the loss of our daily calls. I miss receiving photos of her newly bloomed orchids, sharing my pottery creations, and just the special moments we shared daily. My mom supported and cheered me on in every aspect of my life. I sincerely feel the loss of her guidance and support. The pride she took in my ceramic art journey is what inspired the love I put into each piece. She was not only my best friend but everyone that met her felt love and warmth as she met them with kindness. She was my muse. Back to my foundation of community - I am grateful to everyone who has supported my ceramics journey. My business has flourished with the support of my wonderful clients, the fantastic florists (I love seeing the beautiful arrangements in my pieces), my wonderful neighbors, and everyone who has purchased and gifted my ceramics. I look forward to returning to the wheel and sharing new pieces that will honor the memory of my mother. Sending lots of love always xo Denise 🤍🕊🙏🏽