Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordy Rengifo Poma.
Jordy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I went to culinary School in Peru, and I did an internship in Naples, Florida. After the program ended in 2016. I moved to Toledo with my partner. It took almost 6 years to get my green card and a work permit, during which time I felt useless and depressed because I was used to working.
During that time, I had to find something to do, so I started painting, making dream catchers, ceramic classes and I took classes at the Toledo Museum of Art.
During COVID, I made face masks to donate to health workers, teachers, or anyone that would need it. When people donated money for the masks, I used it to buy nonperishable items for my community in Peru.
When I was given a little kiln, I got some clay and started doing little projects. As a result of connections I had made, I found my way to the studio of an established local ceramics artist where I rented space for 2 years. It was in this studio that I became more focused on building my ceramics skills.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As I am still waiting for my green card, I am not able to get a driver’s license, which created some frustration for me to get to the studio. I am thankful for the kindness of the friends at the studio that gave me rides and the local transportation was free during COVID, and that helped me a lot when I was not able to get a ride.
There were times that I would spend weeks on making things, sometimes some of them or all of them would break during firing, and there was no way to fix them, I wanted to give up because of this but I have supportive friends that kept encouraging me to continue.
After 2 years of being in the studio, I moved to my home where I am currently doing my work.
After that, it is me against me trying to overcome my insecurities and put myself and my work out there.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My ceramic work reflects my life and love for nature, that of the Peruvian jungle where I grew up complimented by my experiences in the US. I get inspired by women from my community in Peru who are healers that work with plants and nature for their practices. Some people know me for my frog mugs.
Currently, I am working on a series of sculptures of women from the past and present for my first solo exhibition at the Sofia Quintero art center in June 3rd and mushroom sculptures for a show in July 7th at Hudson Gallery, downtown Sylvannia.
I am mostly proud that I didn’t give up and that I am able to connect with my family and the community through my work.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I have learned the power of community, as someone who is away from my family and my friends, I learned that it’s important to find your chosen family, build a community and surround yourself with people that support you, and challenge you to learn and improve your life and relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jordyrpoma.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jordyrpoma?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yoyosnavy?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Ailene Joven
