Hi! My name is Ariana Paredes-Vincent (she/her pronouns).
I’m Peruvian-American, and was born and raised in DC.
I’m an Artist, Educator, and Health Scientist.
Through Studio Kusi, I strive to combine my passions for art, mental health, and social justice.
I believe in the transformative power of art and community to nourish and heal both our bodies and spirits.
At Studio Kusi, my goal is to provide a joyful, affordable, and welcoming space where my community can experience the joys of making things with their hands. I hope people leave feeling more grounded in their bodies and inspired to tap into their creativity.
What does Kusi mean?
“Kusi” means “Joy” in Quechua (one of the many indigenous languages of the Andean region). It’s also the name of the Peruvian hairless dog my grandparents had when I was growing up 🙂
What I believe in:
- Everyone is creative
- Making is medicine
- Community care = self care
- Mutual aid is love <3
- We all have something to contribute to the movement towards a more equitable world. If we all used our gifts for good, we can have a large impact
My journey with creating:
I’m one of six, and all my siblings have creative talents. Growing up, I could never draw, write, or play instruments well, so I convinced myself I wasn’t creative, and labeled myself as “the one that was good at school, not art”. It wasn’t until I started taking pottery classes at Art Works Now in 2022, that I discovered my love for creating.
Once I started, I couldn’t stop! I craved making things with my hands every day – whether with clay, beads, wire, yarn, paint, paper (the options are endless!). During this time I was also struggling with my mental health due to sexual and relational trauma, and the more I created, the better I felt.
Creating became and still is my meditation and healing practice.
Studio Kusi’s History:
2022 & 2023
Took first wheel throwing classes and fell in love with ceramics!
2024
January 2024 – Started hand building in my kitchen
July 2024 – Bought my first portable wheel
August 2025 – Made a pottery instagram (previously @apvceramics)
September 2024 – I created a home studio in my childhood bedroom and taught my first wheel class to raise money for UNRWA
December 2024 – Sold pottery at a market for the first time, bought a kiln, renamed to “Studio Kusi” and made this website!
2025
February 2025 – I was laid off from my public health job due to DOGE for two months –> poured my energy and time into renovating my parent’s garage to make it into a pottery studio!
March 27th 2025 – Taught first class in new studio!
April 2025 – Hired first wheel instructor (shout out to Raavi!)
May 2025 – Hired first hand building instructor (shout out to Julia!)
July 2025 – Launched first multi-week wheel class
August 2025 – Launched a volunteer program and hosted first workshop integrating mindfulness, nature, and feminism (shout out to Renee and Laura)
September 2025 – Hosted first off-site workshops including a BIPOC Altar Retreat, Nature’s Signature, and Protest Art event.
November 2025 – Launched the Manos Migrantes Cooperative in partnership with Poder del Pueblo
December 2025 – Hosted our first workplace workshop for SEIU