Member's Gallery

About Vai

Vai was introduced to ceramics in 2003 at the University of South Florida while enrolled in an art class. Although he was tempted to change his major to art, he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at USF. After college, he pursued art in classes at local colleges. He then he was
accepted as an A.I.R here at St. Petersburg Clay Company in 2007.

The majority of Vai’s work is wheel thrown ceramics. His approach to clay is dictated by the improvement in the quality of daily life by the use of hand-made functional ware. He teaches Beginning and Intermediate wheel
thrown pottery at SPCC and is a very passionate teacher. In fact, he says, “teaching is what I am born to do, it’s where I belong.”

Currently, Vai is making ceramic work for his upcoming show in April. Through his work, Vai wishes to address the discovery of self through mantra (prayer). If the world is to be a better place, he says, “it’s important that one tries to find one’s inner self and then approach the world.”

His solo show is scheduled for April 25, 2008 from 7-9 in the Tim Salen Gallery at S.P.C.C.

In the future, Vai wishes to attend graduate school and teach at the collegiate level.