Cyrus Pejoumand
Artist Statement
My name is Cyrus and I was a software engineer for many years, working at various tech companies and startups. While I enjoyed the intellectual challenge of programming and the fast-paced environment of the tech industry, I felt something was missing in my life.
One day, I stumbled upon a pottery class at UC Berkeley Pottery Studio. I signed up out of curiosity, and soon discovered that I really enjoyed working with clay. I was fascinated by the process of creating something beautiful and functional out of a lump of earth, and found the tactile nature of pottery to be a refreshing change from staring at a computer screen all day. I continued to take pottery classes in my spare time, and gradually began to spend more and more time honing my craft. I started experimenting with different types of clay, glazes, and firing techniques, and began to work on developing my own unique style. Eventually, I realized that I wanted to pursue pottery full-time. So I decided to retire as a software engineer and set up a small studio in my home.
Today, I am a full time ceramic artist in Orange County, California, selling my work through galleries and online marketplaces. I find that working with clay provides a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that I never experienced in my previous career. I'm grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion and make a living doing something I love.