Today we’d like to introduce you to Aldo Sandoval.
Aldo, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was in a position where my chef’s life was draining me, the long hours left me uninspired and I needed a break more than ever in my life. I worked hard to save my money when I was in a position to resign, I did. The next day, I went to buy windows, an ac unit, a potters wheel and a kiln for my back yard shed, and I transformed that space into my studio. I then created Lodo Y Tierra and found peace in being in the mess of the clay and creating beautiful organic art.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Given that pottery wasn’t my full-time job, it was a hobby that was seasonal, I’d pick it up when I had time and let it go when there wasn’t time. Deciding to commit full time has definitely been challenging. Relearning the kiln and how to fire was difficult. Glazing is also difficult; you think it’s going to look a certain way, then it comes out of the kiln and it’s completely different and sometimes really disappointing. You have no control after the kiln is closed and the switch is turned on; you have to let it do what it does, and each time it’s a surprise, more that not it’s beautiful and exciting.
Lodo Y Tierra – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Lodo Y Tierra means mud and earth. We create ceramics, from dishwater to decor, trinkets, candles, and basically, anything you need to set an object on, we have it. We’re most proud that we’re a year into creating lyt and it’s slowly growing. We are now at Dallas Farmers Market. We remember wishing for this a year ago, and just like that, we’re there! Seeing people’s reaction to our product and connecting with it is really rewarding and fulfilling. We have an Etsy and that’s been really cool watching people around the US ordering our ceramics. It’s the messages we get from customers telling us how much they love our stuff and how unique it is – that’s really incredible. Our mission is to create pieces that reconnect you to the earth, to nature. When you pick up an lyt piece, you feel present and drawn to the art and what’s in front of you. You feel the love and intention behind the piece. Lodo Y Tierra is raw, organic, and feels a lot like the earth created our vessel’s. And this is what happens ‘when earth meets water & fire.’
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Not being able to keep product on the shelves. We’re a two-man team and I am the only potter, there’s been more and more demand for lyt and it’s hard to keep up. This is very rewarding and we are very proud to have this ‘problem’.
Pricing:
- Copitas: set off two $20
- Plates: $15 – $20
- Hakame bowls: $35 – $65
Contact Info:
- Website: lodoytierra.etsy.com
- Phone: 2546521992
- Email: lodoytierra@gmail.com
- Instagram: @lodotierra
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