Duende With Christine Mai Nguyen
Duende With Christine Mai Nguyen
The ceramicist brings "warm and cozy" to her Los Angeles home.
Christine Mai Nguyen is an artist and ceramicist in the Cypress Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. Her playful collection — Ceramrap — shows off her originality with pieces like the Toilet Phone Amplifier or Pop Tart Spoon Rest. Her home is conveniently located near Glassell Park, Highland Park and Mt. Washington, and a very short walk to the neighborhood pottery studio where she works. Christine has been recording videos about ceramics, cooking, music, apartment tours, and beauty on YouTube for over a decade now, and let me tell you, you do not want to miss her popular Beans in Lemony Broth recipe.
I’ll never forget opening my mailbox to a surprise package, just a handful of weeks after we first moved to LA. Inside was the absolute best gift — a ceramic Margiela boot match striker from Christine. She knew I had wanted one, but her pieces often sell out quickly and I had just missed snagging it. I cried when I opened it; her thoughtfulness meant so much to me during such a tender time! Below, Christine shares the special pieces that bring meaning, color and warmth to her ever-evolving space.
Find Christine elsewhere:
Ceramrap
Instagram
YouTube
Love,
Elise
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Alvar Aalto, Vase
This thing fits in the palm of my hand! I guess it's more of a dish than it is a vase, but I've used it for so many different purposes throughout the years. I love the shape so much, I have it tattooed on my left arm!Carl Auböck, Brass Foot
My friends have a shop in Silverlake called Counter-Space where I worked a few years ago during the holiday season. They gave me this brass foot because I loved it so much. It's just silly to me and I like to use it as a gua sha from time to time. Stays nice and cold.Hannah Amundson Van, Ceramic Object
Before I even played with clay, I was a huge fan of ceramics and ceramicists. I remember going over to Hannah's home and lusting for this boob shaped tchotchke she made. She then gave it to me before I left and that was my first introduction into the world of generous ceramicists. I've since received and given so many pieces in this community.Camilla Engstrom, Plaster Hand
This hand is so fragile and I'm always afraid of snapping the fingers off, but it brings me so much joy so I'll move it around my house often to get a new perspective.Antique ‘BCG’ Frames
I got these deadstock frames off Etsy for around $14, added lenses for $40, and have worn them far beyond $54 IMHO.Kelley Burnett, Ceramic Sculpture
Kelley is the artist of our generation. Her work is timeless and I have this feeling she will just take off one day and I won't be able to afford her work. I wish that for her because she works so hard.Arcosanti, Bronze Tile
If you have a chance to visit Arcosanti in Arizona, you should absolutely take the tour. It's such a magical space and I always leave restored and inspired. I bought this tile the last time I was there, and would love to one day fill my home with a group of these. This one is very heavy and works well as a paperweight. I like to think that the energy transfers and informs my work.Robert Maxwell, Critter
This is also something that's served many purposes throughout the years. I've used this in the kitchen for salt, sauces, and dips. Most recently, this was used as an incense burner and ashtray.Good Art x Ceramrap, Lighter Case
I made a little ceramic cowboy boot and gave it to Josh of Good Art, and he came back with this lighter case design with my name on it! I will cherish this forever and eventually pass it down for generations to come.Koss, PortaPro Headphones
The sound quality is fantastic! They're not super flashy or expensive so I feel comfortable taking these out on my afternoon walks and then getting them muddy at the studio.
Duende is the mysterious power of art to deeply move a person. It means a quality of passion and inspiration. With this bimonthly feature, we celebrate and honor our most meaningful possessions that go far beyond the physical — preserving memories, shaping identity, encouraging ritual, embodying experiences and loved ones. The things that surround us are not simply functional, beautiful, or aspirational, but encompass a soul and presence all their own. View past publications here.
Photo Credit: Duende custom collage designed by Meg Towle, featuring pieces from the home of Christine Mai Nguyen. Portrait of Christine by Jacob Boll.