Michael Vicente, ceramic artist
Sacramento, California, U.S.A.

My work combines natural inspiration and cultural exploration of my Filipino-American heritage. The organic textures and striking hues in wood and rock formations deeply influence my collection of small-batch, functional pottery. The tactile quality of high-temperature fired clay invites a connection to the earth, while jewel-tone glazes reflect the vibrant spirit of streams, rivers, and oceans. Each piece is crafted to bring nature’s conflicting beauty into everyday life and conversations, blending form and function that speak to both aesthetic and practical needs expressed through pottery.

More than an artistic medium, pottery is my bridge to explore my Filipino roots and a means of building community. Indigenous tattoo motifs and techniques used by traditional woodworkers and stone carvers to create bululs (ancestor rice deities) allow me to connect deeply with my cultural identity and share it with a broader audience. I hold spaces for collective creativity and cultural exchange by hosting workshops and community events, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual appreciation that celebrates heritage, artistry, and human connection.