About Janella Pizarro
Art, clay, repair, and making a life.
Born in the province of Bataan, Philippines, raised in early childhood in Yokosuka, Japan and then in Southern California, Janella Pizarro is a ceramic artist, kiln repair technician, ex-software engineer - among other things - based in San Diego, CA. After working as a Software Engineer in the Tech Industry for nearly seven years, following graduating from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Janella turned to the pursuit of making a life in clay.
While Janella first started working with clay in 2019 with a focus in functional, wheel-thrown ceramics, her practice has expanded to include handbuilding and sculpture. Her work is often tied to some exploration or investigation of Filipino craft, folklore, culture, and identity through the lens of a Filipina in the diaspora, a daughter of immigrants, and a first generation American immigrant herself.
Making a Life
01
Art Practice
Janella is developing an art practice centered in clay and is in the early stages of pursuing a career in art. Her education is rooted in community studios and craft school and started showing work in San Diego through group exhibitions in 2025.
02
Hotfix Kiln Repair
Starting from making repairs to her personal Skutt kiln, Janella went on to apprentice under Evan Bollinger of Kiln Help to learn how to repair kilns in 2025. Now, she provides repair and maintenance skills to ceramic (and glass) artists throughout San Diego through Hotfix Kiln Repair.
03
Ginhawa Studios
In 2024, Janella founded Ginhawa Studios, through which she focuses on utilitarian ceramics. Through this business, she aims to share pieces that bring 'ginhawa' to daily routines, offering functional and beautiful designs that add a touch of ease and life to everyday rituals.