Bio

An Artistic Journey Across Oceans

Lony Maya Neubauer’s artistic journey is as unique as her work. Growing up on the picturesque island of Föhr, one of the North Frisian Islands in Northern Germany, her adventurous spirit eventually led her to the sunny shores of California. Now, she calls Vallejo, a charming waterfront community about 30 miles northeast of San Francisco, her home.

Born into an artistic family, her mother a Latin American ballroom dance teacher, her father a painter and merchant captain, Lony was surrounded by creativity from a young age. Though she didn’t initially follow in their footsteps, her love for clay began in junior high school and never fully let go. In January 2018, she took the leap and enrolled in a ceramics class.

By October of that year, Lony found her artistic home at Mare Island Art Studios on historic Mare Island, joining a community of 21 resident artists working across mediums. The group regularly shows its work at the Tim Rose Gallery.

In 2023, Lony collaborated with the de Young Museum, creating four mug and cup designs, 72 pieces in total, for the museum gift shop during The de Young Open, a milestone that reflects her growing reputation.

Her work today is defined by Mid-Century Modern lines, vibrant color, and abstract rhythm, a style as distinct as the path that led her to it.

Artist Statement

Sculpting Joy: The Fusion of Function and Art in Ceramics

I’m a ceramic artist with a passion for creating functional, artful work. While porcelain is my material of choice, I also enjoy working with other clay bodies. I love crafting pieces that capture the charm of mid-century modern and retro style, with a touch of abstract design, pieces meant for everyday use as much as for home decor.

In my work, I explore different forms and decoration techniques, often pairing vibrant colors with contrasting glazes. I add personality through bright underglazes and intricate, detailed patterns.

The heart of my artistry is the connection I build through my work, that moment when a piece feels complete, ready to be held by a collector, placed as a centerpiece on a table, or set as a standout on a mantel. That moment of creative satisfaction is what drives my passion for ceramics.

Each piece is born from a deep love for the craft. I believe art should bring joy, to the artist who makes it and to the people who live with it. My hope is that every piece offers something one-of-a-kind: a small, delightful sense of having found exactly the right thing.