Mystic Mija is the creative work of Jynell Dimalanta.

Born and raised in Ventura County, Jynell is a ceramic artist and educator who currently teaches at the Santa Paula Art Museum. She discovered her passion for clay in 2010 while attending Oxnard College, and later earned a BA in Ceramics and Graphic Design from California State University Channel Islands. Following graduation, she was awarded the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts Post-Baccalaureate Ceramics Internship.

Jynell has participated in ceramic residency programs in China, Denmark, Mexico, and California, where exposure to different environments, materials, and artistic communities has continued to influence her artistic practice.

Artist Statement

My work consists of part locally found Ventura clay, and part manufactured materials. Work is mostly functional and thrown on the wheel, sometimes incorporating a variety of handbuilding methods. I decorate my surfaces in a variety of techniques including terra sigillata, slips, and underglazes to add an extra layer of depth to my forms.

My current body of work is made for utility and necessity. Using my vessels as a canvas to explore the dance between refinement and play.