From farmers’ markets to fine art festivals, the public marketplace serves as a cultural hub for the community surrounding it. More than a commercial center, it is fertile ground for cultivators and creatives; an economic incubator. At Nevada City’s First Friday Art Walk marketplace in July, YUBAHUB had the pleasure of meeting Isabel Maggiani—the Artist behind Scarlet Sequoia Ceramics.
Admiring the eyes and smiles alight in her elegant pop-up boutique, one would never imagine it was Scarlet Sequoia Ceramics’ debut at a public market. Even more impressive, the Lost Coast born NYU grad first graced the pottery wheel as recently as 2021. Following her heart to the studios of artist Yvon Dockter and The Curious Forge in California’s Sierra Nevada foothills, Maggiani immersed herself in a craft she is made for and it shows…
Drawing from the emotive landscape of her life experience and travels, her work is authentic and au naturel—a reflection of the Artist. When she smiles, we believe it. When she doesn’t tell us what she thinks, it’s written on her bare face. In sunny California, the honesty is refreshing. Visiting her at the pottery wheel of ASIF Studios, we can see why Maggiani has excelled in such a short time. The Artist’s disposition is perfectly suited to her medium and style—both reflecting an elegance that is effortless, unpretentious and down-to-earth.
Undoubtedly, Scarlet Sequoia Ceramics is a testament to Isabel Maggiani herself: her courage, initiative and dedication as an Artist and small business owner. From under the masterful wing of Yvon Dockter, Curious Forge and ASIF Studios, to the Nevada City First Friday Art Walk marketplace—the short time in which Maggiani brought the intangible to fruition is a powerful example of the incalculable blessings these teachers and community resources offer. Not only have they fostered Isabel Maggiani in pursuing her passion, her fine pottery has blossomed into a one-of-a-kind offering for the very community who nourishes her. Locally handmade with love; from the potter’s wheel to our dinner table.
With minds on dinner, we wondered what our local farm-to-table food would look like on Scarlet Sequoia’s gorgeous organic vessels. Accordingly, YUBAHUB reached out to Chef Garett Dakan at The Stone House in Nevada City, California. We enjoyed a peek behind the scenes as Chef Dakan generously provisioned an Arugula Salad with Grilled Apricot, Toasted Almonds and Balsamic; a Whipped Buratta with Heirloom Tomato, Pickled Serpent Cucumber and Basil Oil served with Crostini; and a craving-inducing Scallop Ceviche with Sweet Corn and Pickled Red Onion.
Filling one of Maggiani’s stunning “wine bells,” The Stone House mixologist Cynthia Carter included her Smoked Rose mezcal cocktail—paired harmoniously with Dakan’s ceviche. Unsurprisingly, Scarlet Sequoia Ceramics lend themselves perfectly to Carter’s exotic libations and Chef Dakan’s exquisite cuisine—including delicate microgreens from local farmer Icarus Wendel of Nevada City Gourmet Greens.
In addition to weekly seasonal menus and lively supper club events at The Stone House , Dakan is the creator of Deer Creek Catering; offering fine, local, farm-to-table cuisine prepared by the globally-inspired, internationally-seasoned Chef. As we discuss our collaboration, he playfully quips to Maggani about producing ceramics for fine dining—an idea she herself had mentioned moments earlier. We notice her eyebrows raise characteristically. Affirmation at every turn!
To learn more about Isabel Maggiani and Scarlet Sequoia Ceramics, please visit her website, follow her on social media, and look for her work at ASIF Studios in Grass Valley and Earth Central in Nevada City, California. If you’re interested in ceramics or creative education and events, an artist looking for studio space, a collector, or generally enthusiastic about creative work, we invite you to visit The Curious Forge in Nevada City, ASIF Art Center in Grass Valley, and the Nevada County Arts Council—an instrumental organization in supporting local art and culture including the aforementioned Nevada City First Friday Art Walk. Please find their direct links below and subscribe to our newsletter for more from YUBAHUB!