Take a look
The Gift of the Hummingbird
TEXT BY STELLAH DEVILLE & MOLLEE BEKELE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUNA ANTONIA ARBOLEDAA
In the heart of Mexico City, I am currently putting the finishing touches on our house, curating and designing my gallery, and renovating the garden. Alongside these project, I am also crafting a new series of ceramic works and working on a commissioned design for the perfect desk.
One of my greatest sources of fulfillment is cooking. I’ve always believed that sharing a meal is a way to connect with others and celebrate culture. The rich culinary traditions of Mexico City, where ancient and modern coexist like Paris in a jungle, have deeply influenced me.
My journey has been marked by significant milestones. I overcame homelessness at 17, thanks to the support of friends. I became the first in my family to attend college and later ventured into Tech in San Francisco, ultimately working as a Creative Director in New York City. Yet, my passion for design and art led me to reinvent myself again, as an interior designer with my own firm, Studio Claro. During the pandemic, I pursued my dream of being an artist, leading to a transformative artist-in-residency in Cobb Mountain.
In 2021, my partner and I moved to Oaxaca City, where I opened StellaH, a gallery project, and established a ceramic studio. Last year, I celebrated my first group show featuring my larger-scale ceramic works. Now, I’m renovating a beautiful home in Roma Sur, a space that will house the next chapter of my gallery and serve as a hub for cultural events, readings, and art. This journey has also taken me into the world of mezcal, with the launch of StellaH Mezcal.
My story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of a sense of place and purpose. It’s proof that when you follow your heart and passion, you can create a life that’s both inspiring and familiar, just like the warmth of Mexico City’s people and its rich cultural traditions.
Quick Questions:
What do you always bring with you when traveling?
A camera, a sketch book and a handmade ceramic cup.
Are there hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path locations in your area that you adore and would recommend to others?
Oh yes! Floating down the canals of Xochimilco, brunch and great music on the weekends at our friends spot Choza, cocktails and snacks at Salon Palomilla and furniture and design inspiration at Chic by Accident.
Stellah is an award winning creative director & designer who was born in Melborne and has lived and worked in New York, San Francisco and most recently Mexico City. She epitomizes a creative hummingbird, making graphics, ceramics, interiors and meals that are both memorable and beautiful. She has built a gallery in Oaxaca City and always has her hands in the pot of all things that bring beauty, meaning and a little of the unexpected joy into everyday experiences.