Why Toki?

Toki, my chosen moniker, is literally the Romanized translation of “Pottery" in Japanese, but it means so much more. “Toki” means "Time, Moment, Occasion" in the Japanese language. It means "to talk, or converse" in Esperanto. The Toki Bird, a Japanese Ibis, is a symbol of peace, nature and renewal. In Polynesian languages it can mean “Carving Tool”, and in Māori it represents a tool that symbolizes strength and skill. Ceramics is an opportunity to live in the moment, accepting the things we can not change, and change the things we can.

Mission:

The core mission of Toki Kinship Ceramics, shall be a community centric combination of structured and open format, artisan led education, that fosters the preservation of traditional ceramic arts, using clay as a medium to support community physical and mental health, and offer social, artistic, environmental, and educational resources to the community.

Vision:

To create a space that is physically and emotionally comfortable, aesthetically beautiful, relaxed and inclusive of all people, from all backgrounds, where they can explore their creativity in the ceramic arts, including hand building, wheel throwing, sculpture and surface decoration. Centered around a community of ceramic artists, the studio shall be reflected in the space itself, with chill music, ample vegetation like houseplants, beautiful lighting, and community social events to celebrate highlighted resident artists and guest artists, including food, wine tasting and music events.

The studio is owned and operated by Levi Jimenez, a Salinas native and ceramic artist since 1997.