NCECA Member Artist Spotlight | Silvia Alvarez-Ritterling | Part 1

NCECA Member Artist Spotlight | Silvia Alvarez-Ritterling | Grateful for Clay, Creativity, and Webs of Connection. Join us for a five part video series with NCECA Member and 2022 Multicultural Fellowship recipient Silvia Alvarez-Ritterling. Click the link to learn more https://nceca.net/donate

“Creativity and difference are gifts that make us uniquely human.”
Silvia Alvarez-Ritterling’s home in Southern California is filled with handmade ceramics, some made through her own hands, others collected during her time living in the Netherlands or during visits with artisans in her native Mexico. Silvia’s upbringing included an appreciation for the creative community that etched a sense of place in her heart. As she speaks about growing up in Michoacán, Mexico, one hears the melodies of childhood songs. Encouraged in academic achievement, Silvia pursued a career in accounting and soon after graduation moved to the United States to develop financial systems for Latin American countries. After marrying, for a time Silvia lived overseas where diverse cultural influences of ceramic wares captivated her imagination. Silvia’s home today reflects love of art, heritage, and family life.

She began working with clay in a nearby community studio where people of diverse backgrounds shared knowledge and welcomed her. When she received NCECA’s Multicultural Fellowship, the community gathered to celebrate. She continues to develop her creative practice, inspired by interconnections of food, family, and clay—experiencing the radiating warmth of a handmade coffee cup, and the savory flavors of foods cooked in terracotta. The fellowship allowed Silvia to set up a home studio during the pandemic; she continues to deepen her exploration of ceramics.

Envisioning a world in which these traits are always celebrated, Silvia shared her first NCECA conference in Sacramento with her teenage daughter Sophia, where they connected with artists they had followed on Instagram and in magazines. Witnessing Sophia engage in the creative and professional exchange of the conference, contributing ideas, and initiating action was an inspiring moment for Silvia. They are connecting with crafts-people in Michoacán, initiating informal mentoring with Instagram and exploring other ways to expand awareness. Reaching out to uplift others, Silvia is also working with Mexican artists on applications for future NCECA Multicultural Fellowships.

Silvia believes that NCECA plays an important role in the lives of all artists exploring the many hidden layers and limitless possibilities of clay work. “Belong to a community, keep learning, and connect!”

Learn more about NCECA Member Artist Spotlight! Silvia Alvarez-Ritterling!
Click the link to learn about Silvia Alvarez-Ritterling and donate today! https://nceca.net/donate