Page 29 - holmag SS2021

“The Magazine for the Emerging by the Emerging”
I have a section in my shop called “Happy Accidents” for pieces that have been altered from
their original design during the creative process
cups, are painted with glaze (metal compounds) and then fired a second time to create the glass-like exterior most of us know as ceramics.
What is the most challenging part of selecting materials for use based on strength, color, texture, balance, weight, size, malleability and other characteristics?
There are many stages in ceramics and at each stage, there is an opportunity for things to break, shrink, melt, burn, and otherwise be damaged. It is a part of the process that any ceramicist must accept. If you are good enough, you can find ways to save or transform a piece and give it a second life. I actually have a section in my shop called “Happy Accidents” for pieces that have been altered from their original design during the creative process. I like the challenge of working with so many variables. It means that each piece is truly unique.
How often do you research craft trends, venues, and customer buying patterns in order to inspire designs and marketing strategies? Should more time be spent on research?
I research market trends every day. I do this in my day job and so naturally doing research about buyer behavior for ceramics comes second nature. Whenever I design a piece I think about the type of person that it will speak to; I imagine the market that it will do the best in. As for inspiration,
I associate with so many brilliant artists (painters, sculptors, even musicians) that we all share that energy and influence each other. I have many plans for marketing my work but my time is currently split between three career paths. My focus will shift in 2021 so that I can really grow KhaosCreates into the brand I know it can be.
What have you done to improve your knowledge as a ceramic accessory designer?
Trial by fire! I learn a lot from trying things out and making mistakes. I also do my own research and consult with others. Thankfully I have a
good friend who also runs a ceramic jewelry business, so whenever I have wearable ceramic ideas I consult her. I also have an excellent mentor with years of experience who encourages and critiques my work to help me improve.
Why accessory design? Why not something else?(Challenging question) What led you to decide to turn ceramic sculpture into accessories?
Most of my work is functional or decorative sculpture, like jewelry dishes, busts, or plant pots. I tried ceramic jewelry design because honestly, it seemed much easier
to make and sell, and seemed less time-consuming than other pieces I’ve worked on. I didn’t think earrings would be as difficult as my plant pots or even my fine art sculptures.
I figured I would be able to build up a large inventory faster and save more time since I would not be doing much sculpting. I was wrong. Jewelry-making came with its own set of problems like durability, weight, and finishings. I will continue working on a wearable line but
my love for this craft is primarily sculpture art. Home accessories that are functional but still lovely to look at, strike that perfect balance of commercial but art for me.
Any challenges you face in that industry? if any, how have you overcome these challenges?
The industry is challenging because
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