Hi everyone, my name is Quinn Nakahara! I am originally from Ewa Beach, Hawaii. I come from a family of six, comprised of myself, three younger brothers and my two parents. I first started in ceramics during senior year of high school in March 2017. I learned the techniques and developed a very basic understanding of ceramics with a small group of friends who are extremely talented in ceramics after they offered to teach me during after-school sessions. With repetition, but no formal training, I was able to create my first pieces and develop a love for the art form. When the school year ended in May 2017, my ceramics endeavor was put on pause. Once I got to college I was unable to continue with my newfound passion, until the summer of 2020, when I was fortunate enough to stumble into an unpaid, professional apprenticeship under ceramicist, Jake Johnson, at the Make Waynesboro Clay Studio. This is the first time since high school that I have been able to get my hands back on some clay, and I could not be more excited to show everyone how much I have improved.

I am a rising senior at New York University (NYU). I am currently on the Pre-Medical track, with a minor in psychology. I am enrolled in the Gallatin School of Individualized Study, a school in which I have the ability to design my own "major," which is referred to as the "concentration." My concentration is entitled, "The Value of Holistic Medicine and Traditional Healing in the Modern-Medical World," which aims to explore how ideologies set forth by traditional healing communities can be beneficial to the modern hospital setting today. Some key points that I bring up through my studies are the treatment of patients as people and not just a file and number, the sense of community which raises morale and wellness, and the importance of respect for cultural and/or religious beliefs while navigating healthcare.

My biggest thanks to my friends and family, who have supported me on this journey. I hope you enjoy my work, and I look forward to seeing all of you in person soon :)

- Q