Hey, I’m Kaith! 🌺
Ceramic, nature, flowers and the ocean are at the heart of everything I do. Traveling, surfing, and exploring the wild have shaped my journey, but my deepest connection has always been with clay—introduced to me by nature itself. Working with my hands, shaping earth and fire, I feel a sacred dialogue between the elements, a quiet wisdom that guides me.
My philosophy of life is simple and was deeply influenced by the movie Chasing Mavericks (2012). The motto «Live Like Jay» isn’t just about riding big waves—it’s about being true to yourself, honoring the present moment, and moving through life with open heart and purpose.
Through my ceramics, I create more than art—I want each piece to hold energy, intention, and a story. I work with wild clay and natural minerals, ensuring that every creation carries the spirit of the land it comes from. My mission is to bridge the human and natural worlds, reminding us of our deep connection to the Earth. This path has led me to Reef Memory, a project dedicated to restoring coral reefs with ceramic sculptures that harmonize with marine life.
I believe everything in life holds a frequency, and the energy we share returns to us in ways unseen. People may forget words or actions, but they will always remember how you made them feel. That’s why I strive to bring light, warmth, and inspiration into every space I touch 💫🪐🤍🌱🌊
#LiveLikeJay #PotteryWithSoul #WildClay #NatureInspired #OceanLover #CeramicArt #ReefMemory #SustainableArt #EarthElements #HandmadeWithLove #ManifestYourDreams #FlowWithNature #SacredCreation #ArtWithPurpose #ProtectOurPlanet
MY HUGE GOAL! ✌🏾🪨
What is "TRUE" in pottery for me? Let me give you an example of music. There is commercial pop music, but there are also hits that the whole world has been listening to for centuries. From generation to generation. So, my goal is to create uniqueness in pottery 🥹
How do you achieve that? As in everything - with the right approach. The main tool in pottery is Clay. To make pieces from commercial clay this story is not about me 🫠
For me, it’s important to have a special philosophy - the connection of nature with the product. And I can achieve this only when working with wild clay 🫶🏽
I want to go on expeditions all over the world 🗺 and find unique wild clay, process it and make a pieces. Unique energy, history, originality 🦋❤️🔥
It's really hard to go against the flow, but that is where I feel my purpose is🙏🏼🌱
Wish me a happy foraging! 🫶🏽☺️
How Do Ceramic Reefs Work?
It’s been just 2.5 months since we installed the first ceramic reefs off the coast of Cozumel — and guess what? A sea urchin has already moved in 🖤 And little fishes are swimming all around. I haven’t stopped smiling since I saw it.
This beautiful footage was captured by bena_bites, and monthly monitoring is led by marine biologist @a.andmg — thank you both for helping this underwater story come alive.
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People often ask: “Why create artificial corals?”
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Here’s the thing: natural corals need a hard surface to attach to. My ceramic reef sculptures act as new homes for coral polyps. They settle on the surface, start to grow, and over time, a living reef is formed.
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Ceramics are ideal for this because:
They don’t release harmful substances into the ocean
Their porous texture mimics natural reef surfaces
They’re long-lasting and can withstand salty seawater
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On February 5, 2025, we put the first sculptural reef units near Cozumel. Every month since, we’ve been watching how marine life slowly starts to claim it. Each coral is not only a sculpture — it’s an invitation for nature to begin again.
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It’s amazing to think that something made by hand, from earth and fire, can become a new beginning for an entire ecosystem.
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What do you think — should we help nature by creating artificial reefs, or let the ocean recover on its own?
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🎥 bena_bites
🔬 @a.andmg
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#ReefMemory #CoralReefs #MarineLife #OceanRestoration #CeramicArt #EcoArt #SustainableFuture #CozumelReef #UnderwaterSculpture #SaveTheOcean #ArtForThePlanet #ReefLove #OceanHealing #CeramicReefs #OceanLife #NatureInArt #SculptingTheSea #UrchinLove #UnderwaterHope #CoralComeback
Discover exclusive porcelain cups — available only at Alcina das Flores, Time Out Market
@alcina_das_flores@timeoutlisboa
Black and white tones, they’re perfect as a stylish drinking cup or a delicate vase for your blooms 🌸
Each piece is available for a special price of 25 €.
Find at:
Av. 24 de Julho, Lisboa, Portugal
Opening hours: 8:30 – 14:00
PorcelainArt
#LisbonDesign
#CeramicLovers
#FunctionalArt
#TimeOutMarketLisboa
#MinimalistStyle
#FlowerVaseCup
ES:
Reef Memory es una iniciativa de arte regenerativo creada por la artista ceramista @touchpottery que fusiona la expresión artística con el impacto ecológico. 🧱🎨🪸
🔗Contribuye aquí: https://explorer.gitcoin.co/#/round/42161/774/6
🔗Enlace del evento en UnlockProtocol: /event/reef-memory-8
Esta colección de esculturas cerámicas inspiradas en corales no solo genera conciencia sobre la importancia de los ecosistemas marinos, sino que también cumple un rol funcional en la restauración de arrecifes.
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EN:
Reef Memory is a regenerative art initiative by ceramic artist @touchpottery that merges artistic expression with ecological impact. 🧱🎨🪸
🔗Contribute here: https://explorer.gitcoin.co/#/round/42161/774/6
🔗UnlockProtocol event link: /event/reef-memory-8
This collection of coral-inspired ceramic sculptures not only raises awareness about the importance of marine ecosystems but also serves a functional role in coral restoration.
Why are corals important? 🪸
Reefs are not just beautiful underwater landscapes; they are home to 25% of all marine life. They protect coastlines, provide millions of people with food and jobs. But right now, more than 50% of reefs have already disappeared, and if nothing is done, this number will continue to rise. What we’ve seen in Jacques Cousteau’s films may never be seen again.
Corals provide a home for marine creatures – from tiny fish to sharks and turtles.
They protect shorelines – reducing wave strength and preventing erosion.
They support the ecosystem – participating in the nutrient cycle.
They sustain the economy of millions – through fishing, tourism, and medicine.
As part of the “Reef Memory” project, I am creating ceramic corals to give reefs a chance for restoration. This is my way of helping the ocean. And you can too – by supporting reef restoration projects, choosing eco-friendly products, and simply spreading awareness about the issue.
💙 Join me and become part of a global initiative to save our oceans! 🌊
The next location for “Reef Memory” installation is the Azores, and your financial support will help me a lot in this effort.
If you would like to financially support the project:
/f/reef-memory
Support this project on a monthly basis?
Join on Patreon:
/KaithShmerko
All links are in the profile folder.
#ReefMemory #SaveOurOceans #CoralRestoration #OceanConservation #MarineLife #EcoArt #SustainableFuture #SupportReefRestoration #ProtectTheReefs #CeramicCorals #ClimateAction #OceanProtection #MarineEcosystems #GreenArt #ConserveTheOcean #EcoFriendlyProducts #OceanHealing
Hey guys,
I’ve edited a short film about how we installed ‘Reef Memory’ corals in the ocean depth of Cozumel. It’s a story about how art can become part of an ecosystem and help the ocean 🐚
Let’s watch the premiere together!
📅 March 6, 2025
📍 Lisbon — 6 PM
📍 Los Angeles — 10 AM
📍 Mexico City — 12 PM
Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you don’t miss it! The YouTube link will be in my stories. Let’s dive into this underwater world and witness how art meets nature 🪐🪸
Lots of love,
Kaith
Checking out the new restoration project and it seems that fish love them.
Big thanks to @touchpottery for bringing new posibilites to the @cozumelcoralconservatory space and the @cozumelcoralreefrestoration program.
#islacozumel #marineconservation #greenfins #scubadiving #reefrestoration
A dance spell for my corals for an exhibit in Denver 🪸
Ready to dive deep into the future of decentralized science 🧬
#ReefMemory #OceanArt #CeramicCorals #SaveTheReefs #MarineConservation #DenverExhibit #EcoArt #SustainableFuture #CoralRestoration #UnderwaterWorld #ClimateAction #HandmadeSculpture #ProtectOurOceans #ArtForChange #BluePlanet
We have the pleasure of collaborating with artist @kaithshmerko of @touchpottery to integrate her original handmade artwork into the Villa Blanca Reef @cozumelcoralconservatory coral restoration zone between Sand Dollar Sports Dive Shop and @tikilabeachbar
Inspired by the diverse, undulating organic formations of coral reefs, Kaith’s 3 ceramic sculptures in her “Reef Memories” collection were created and installed to serve as substrate for live corals, which are transplanted onto them with @cozumelcoralreefrestoration to support their growth and survival.
These beautiful prototypes for artificial reefs aim to help preserve biodiversity by providing habitat and shelter for marine life while also raising awareness about the urgent need to protect and rehabilitate vital ocean ecosystems.
🌊🪸🐠 #artandscience
Thanks Kaith @touchpottery for the #corallove #collaboration 💙!
Collaboration with
@cozumelcoralconservatory@cozumelcoralreefrestoration@zoelivingseasculpture@sanddollardivesports@mesoreefdao@leeac_cinvestav
📹 @colleenflanigan@a.andmg
#oceandecade #artandscience #coral #ceramics #cozumel #coralsculpture #oceanregeneration #climatechange #scuba #publicart #environmentalart #underwatersculpture
5 Feb 2025
The installation process 🪸🧜🏽♀️✨
When I conceived the project, I couldn’t even imagine that it would turn out to be on this scale. But the main thing is that this scale was with ease, synchronicity and the best teamwork. I couldn’t have dreamed of anything better.
I would like to share my plans for what’s next 🪬
Art and Education as a Call to Action
In 2025, I plan to showcase an exhibition dedicated to coral and ocean conservation in a gallery or museum in New York or another U.S. city as part of a long-term initiative to raise awareness of reef destruction.
Performance concept – The exhibition will feature a 3×4-meter aquarium installation, recreating an underwater world with hand-built ceramic sculptures seeded with live corals, sponges, and algae.
This aquarium will be a centerpiece of the exhibition dedicated to ocean conservation. Visitors will learn about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems, how coral reefs impact our lives, and how they can contribute by supporting the installation of ceramic reefs in other regions to ensure a sustainable future for our planet.
🪐If you would like to help or have ideas on how we can implement this with the exhibition, please DM
#ReefMemory #SaveTheOceans #UnderwaterExploration #CeramicReef #OceanConservation #MarineEcosystem #CoralRestoration #SaveTheReefs #ArtificialReef #EcoArt #SustainableOceans #UnderwaterSculpture #ClimateAction #OceanLove #MarineBiology #CoralReefs #BluePlanet #EnvironmentalArt #DivingForChange #ArtForTheOcean #SeaLife #OceanRestoration #MarineScience #EcoFriendlyArt #SupportTheOceans #SaveOurSeas #ReefProject #OceanAwareness #DeepBlue
I am thrilled to present my ceramic coral collection, “Reef Memory”—a series of handmade substrates designed for marine ecosystem restoration and scientific observation.
Coral reefs, among the most valuable and vulnerable ecosystems on our planet, face immense threats from pollution and climate change. In response, I have created “Reef Memory”—a collection of hand-built ceramic substrates placed on the seabed off the coast of Cozumel in the Caribbean Sea as part of a UNESCO-endorsed project. These prototypes for artificial reefs help preserve biodiversity by providing a new habitat for marine life while also raising awareness about the urgent need to protect ocean ecosystems.
My collection captures the beauty and intricate textures of natural reefs, which play a crucial role in sustaining marine life. Inspired by organic coral formations, the ceramic sculptures vary in height and detailing, reflecting the natural diversity of coral reefs. Deep cavities and smooth curves on the surface create the illusion of living corals, blending seamlessly into the marine environment and offering shelter for marine creatures. Additionally, the sculptures serve as incubators for live corals, which are transplanted onto them, aiding in their growth and regeneration.
This project was made possible thanks to my mentor, Colleen Flanigan, whose pioneering work in ecological art and science in Cozumel has been a source of inspiration and guidance. Colleen has been working in science collaborations and leading transdisciplinary initiatives for over 20 years, highlighting the crucial role of art in practical environmental solutions.
Scientific Support and Monitoring
As part of this project, I am collaborating with Dr. Germán Mendez, founder of the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program, and Adrián Andrés Morales G., marine biologist and nursery manager of the @cozumelcoralconservatory . They will monitor and document the ceramic reefs’ evolution and impacts to assess their contribution to biodiversity rehabilitation.
Continued in the comments 🧜🏽♀️💙
