Maddy Inez on Ceramics, Ancestral Healing, and Plant-Based Resistance

In an interview with Phillip Edward Spradley, Maddy Inez, a ceramic artist from Los Angeles, shares insights into her artistic journey. Her creations delve into themes of maternal heritage, the use of plant-based medicine, and gardening as a form of resistance. A significant discovery of a midwifery certificate belonging to her great-great-great grandmother from the era of enslavement propelled her investigation into neglected healing traditions. Inez's sculptural vessels, inspired by botanical shapes, utilize clay to convey memory and narratives. Her solo exhibition at Megan Mulrooney is set to open on May 16, 2026, and will be on display until June 20, 2026. A BFA graduate from the Pacific Northwest College of Art, she has showcased her work at various venues, including Harkawik Gallery and the DePaul Art Museum, where her pieces are part of the permanent collection. Additionally, she interviews land stewards, farmers, and herbalists, integrating fire-following wildflowers like the Matilija poppy, which carries a Chumash tale of beauty arising from destruction.