Meet Molly Morris Nguyen | Ceramic Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Molly Morris Nguyen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Molly, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m originally from a small town in northern Michigan that sits right on Lake Michigan, about 20 minutes south of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. Summers in Michigan are magical—the night skies filled with stars, crackling bonfires on the beach, softly dimpled warm sand, and roaring waves that crash into each other and glitter in the sunlight—all of these majestic, familiar clips replay in my head every day while I’m shaping my hand-built ceramic forms. The simplicity of summer days in my memories translate into the minimal, rounded shapes I create and the color palette of my work. It’s easy to get carried away in the stress of day to day life, especially living in a big city, so I’m very grateful to have this special place buried away in my heart that I can return to as a source of inspiration and peace.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a ceramic artist, focusing mostly in on handbuilding with porcelain (and sometimes a hearty speckled brownstone when I’m feeling the need for beachy vibes!). I’m in a constant state of self discovery, both personally and creatively, so my work is always evolving (from funtional home ware to jewelry to planters, etc).

I got into ceramics in 2018 when I took a mini class with a friend at Mudfire Studio and Gallery in Decatur, GA. I fell instantly in love and have been playing with clay ever since. I’m a full time Graphic Designer and I’ve struggled with the push and pull of balancing my “day job” with my “dream job.” Luckily, I get closer and closer to the balance of the two each year and have figured out some good trade-offs in budgeting my time. The most difficult challenge I’m approaching is the potential for becoming an independent artist, so I’ve been researching and seeking mentorship in how to maneuver that desire.

I think what sets me apart though is my quest for simplicity—I’m not looking to make a striking statement piece or capture loads of attention. Instead, I try to create items that are made intentionally, to serve people’s needs in small ways. Sustainability and purpose are far more important to me when I’m creating than jumping onto the trend wagon. Ceramics isn’t just about the end product. It’s about discovery and process, self-forgiveness and fragility. You learn so much about yourself in working to create something out of nothing. You can work on a piece for hours and days, and have it shatter or crack before it even makes it to the kiln and learning to be okay with that and start over is such a valuable lesson. I’ve been able to work through a lot of personal situations just by working with mud (as funny as that sounds).

I feel like i could write a lengthy book on lessons I’ve learned along the way, with chapters covering everything from marriage, to “will you clay survive a house fire” (it will, and that definitely happened to us last year, the same weekend COVID-19 hit the US), to how to “woman up” and deal with tact-less and unrequested opinions about my work. The most important take away for me has been starting again. And again, and again. Creatives strive for perfection and it’s so limiting. You need to get into the mindset that you will never be perfect, but that’s okay. It’s not about that. It’s about about continued growth, development, and shifting your mindset off of “you” and towards serving and connecting with others through your art.

I hope that my art and my brand creates a safe space for others to learn to embrace imperfection and self-discovery. I hope that in embracing lightness, gentleness and forgiveness, we move towards a deeper understanding of humanity, kindness, and acceptance towards ourselves and others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely take them right to Buford Highway and stop at all the incredible restaurants. Some of my favorites are LanZhou Ramen, Mamak, Nam Phuong, and Lee’s Bakery. Oh, and Miss Gogi is a must for Korean BBQ, followed by Meet Fresh for some extraordinary Taiwanese Desserts.

Coming back into the city of Atlanta, I’d wander neighborhoods like Inman Park and Cabbagetown (they’re my favorite) and probably would avoid the Beltline if I could help it (it’s great, but always packed). An obligatory photo at Jackson Street bridge at sunset is a must, followed by an evening walk through Piedmont Park.

If you’re looking for some fun, more touristy things to do, I’d recommend the rooftop at Ponce City Market, The High Museum of Art, and Top Golf on the Westside. If you want to do something off the beaten path, hiking in Sweetwater Creek State Park or a quick trip up to The Mountains (Blue Ridge area) is worth a little jaunt out of the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Funny story: When my brother and I would fight as kids, my mom would make us give each other compliments to recover from the fight. We just wanted to rush the exercise to get it over with, and would unenthusiastically say “you’re a good artist” to move on quickly and return to playing. “You’re a good artist” is still used as a reference throughout our larger extended family and always provides a quick laugh and boost of encouragement! So, I guess my brother gets a big shout out for fighting with me enough that I believed I was a good artist and became one!

Big shoutout to Max Buzzell of OB + Co. Productions for being my biggest “safe space” and encourager, and friends and family who see my potential when I cannot. I’m also endlessly grateful for Greg and Linda Jaris, artists and mentors from my hometown who have literally influenced and helped foster my creative abilities since second grade!

Website: goodgollyceramics.com

Instagram: goodgollyceramics