Justin Lerias

Justin Lerias (2001, Pagadian City, Philippines) seamlessly transitioned from pastry chef to ceramics artist after becoming enamored with the art form at a young age.

Lerias’ first career (even though he is 19 years old now) started as a freshman in high school. The artist focused all his attentions on becoming a pastry chef, and took all possible opportunities to educate himself. His student days consisted of six classes at Nicholas Senn High School, followed by a harried commute to the CPS Advanced Arts Building in downtown Chicago. There, he managed to squeeze in two culinary classes on top of an already busy schedule. Lerias built up his skills in fondant and dough making as well as rolling slabs and piping. His senior year, he took part in a catering group, and even started working at Lost Larson Bakery in Andersonville. It seemed that his hard work and drive had paid off… yet something else was in the back of his mind.

Lerias and his family are originally from Pagadian City, in the Zamboanga del Sur province in Mindanaoin (Philippines). A lot of nostalgia exists around the nature found in the artist's home country. As a boy, he went on a family trip to the northern part of the island. There, they visited the lush forests, but also stopped by a pottery shop as a tourist attraction. Fermentation vessels were the studio's specialty, and Lerias was instantly fascinated with the process. This visit was cemented in his memory, and he hoped some day to try the wheel himself. His grandparents took care of him for ten years while his mother worked in the US to support the family. To pass the time, Lerias would catch a motorcycle cab and wander the beaches outside the city. At thirteen he could be seen thoughtfully strolling the sands, looking for shells and coral while contemplating life. He still misses the smells of Pagadian Bay (off the Celebes Sea) as well as the taste of fresh sea urchin. What helps him cope with the distance now is living two minutes walk from Lake Michigan.

Lerias came to visit his mother in Chicago in 2014, and even though he had a ticket back home, he decided to stay (his older sister did as well). The city inspired him a great deal, and opened his eyes to many new things. The diversity of the people was especially appealing, along with the arts culture. His hometown featured artisan businesses based around weaving and tribal art, but in Chicago he saw artists truly making a living. It’s something he aspires to.

While attending the culinary program downtown, Lerias would often peek in on the pottery studio next to his classroom. He would ask the art students questions about their work and progress. After finishing the program, ceramics were still on his mind. He took a leap and bought a used pottery wheel. He dove headlong into online tutorials on youtube and quickly became comfortable with the materials and process. He knew the art form was for him; the transition from pastry to clay was natural. Looking towards a different future, Lerias quit the bakery and joined Lincoln Square Pottery Studio – Learning Center during the last session of 2020. He hit the ground running and started producing dinnerware inspired by people like Jono Pandolfi and Florian Gadsby. Both artists have their pottery placed in Michelin starred restaurants.

Lerias knew he wanted to go the next level, so he created and sent a portfolio for review to the School of the Art Institute. His new work became an exploration of plant matter with a connection to the natural surroundings of his youth. His coral and anemone-like pieces build up on themselves, creating environments that are both beautiful and overwhelming. Lerias says he is looking to reconnect to the culture of his upbringing, something that many immigrants do once they’ve assimilated into their new country. His current work also features plants more native to the Midwest. The artist has replaced his exploratory beach walks with strolls through the prairies and forests. He examines the fungus and moss on trees, and visually picks out interesting shapes and colors. Lerias’ attention to these unusual details translate directly onto the surface of his work, letting the viewer in on a world they might otherwise not see. Leaves and flowers are also gathered and pressed into random books in the home shared with his mother. All this visual hunting and gathering gives him fodder for new work. These collections help him attain harmony between nature and himself.

Lerias was accepted to SAIC and will begin classes with a concentration in ceramics in September of this year. His dream after completing his degree would be to open his own studio and give classes and workshops to young people. He hopes to be able to give them insight into the possibilities of the arts at an early age, so they have the courage to follow that dream into life. Just like Lerias himself.