How would you describe your style?  What style?

Do you remember the first thing you made? I spent a year of Saturdays making pinch pots.

Before I started making I… Before I started making ceramics, I made jewelry.

If I weren’t a maker I’d be... A ranger, a musician, an astronomer, a theologist, a professor of myths and symbols, a landscaper…

Favorite quote or words to live by: Too many to list. But the one that keeps coming into my head these days is ‘keep it simple, stupid.’ And while I don't promote beating yourself up or calling yourself (or others) names, it hits home during this difficult confusing time. Bring it back to the source. Don't complicate things. 

If you could collaborate with one person dead or alive who would it be? The first person that popped in my mind was Patti Smith, but maybe not on clay and definitely not music. I'd like to make and hang prayer flags or gather and create a big sculptural pile of rocks in the yard. But maybe that would be a lot to ask. 

If I could run away I’d go… To Hawaii

What are you currently watching? Anything my 16 year old daughter will watch with me. Time is fleeting.

What was the last gift you gave someone? A silver pendant with engraved moon & stars. On the back is engraved ‘The sun, the moon & the stars. Everything in Motion.’

Most interesting thing in your liquor cabinet?  Nothing. But I like bitters.

What song best describes your work ethic? I don’t know, but at work I love to listen to Talking Heads radio or Steely Dan radio. And the two songs on repeat in my head these days are Kate Bush’s Running up that hill and Joni Mitchell’s Hejira.

What is the most challenging project you have worked on? Why? Clay is challenging when you try to short-change it. So any project in a rush is challenging.

What is your most treasured possession? I guess my grandmother Elsie Quan’s jade necklace.

What is your perfect day? Get up. Yoga class. Food. Hike. Dinner. Outside bonfire. Look at the stars.

Favorite holiday? Jan 1. New Years Day.

Where did you grow up? Vancouver, Canada and NYC.

Favorite ice cream flavor? Vanilla with rainbow sprinkles.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? This questions sets my head a-spinning. Everything seems to come with a price. 

What is your favorite family tradition? Playing games after dinner.

Favorite podcast? Making Sense, 10% Happier, On Being, The Daily, WTF, Design Matters

Best piece of advice you have ever received? Let it live.

Any hidden talents? Not that I know of… YET.

To see more of Michele’s work visit, www.mquan.com or @mquanstudio.