What’s your business name and what do you do?
My business name is Ceramica Co. I make functional ceramics with a focus on a timeless- minimalist aesthetic.
How did you learn your craft?
I took a ceramics class while attending college, and fell in love with it almost instantly. I stayed connected with the studio interning, and in return was able to refine my skills and develop my ‘style’.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I enjoy almost every aspect of the ceramic process. From throwing / forming the clay, to trimming, loading it in the kiln for the first firing, glazing, and putting it back in the kiln for a second firing. To selling my finished products at markets, and meeting so many cool people along the way.
What do you enjoy least?
My least favorite part of the process would probably be making handles for mugs...it’s time consuming, requires planning to get each piece of clay to the same ‘leather hard’ stage, and the handles need to be properly attached to the mugs to ensure they’re secure.
What’s one thing you wish people knew about your work?
I wish people knew how time consuming the whole process is. Like I’ve touched on a bit, the creation of a ceramic product from start to finish is extremely involved. I’m a one woman show, and do everything from lugging clay boxes into the studio, taking the photography for my work, organizing business taxes, networking, marketing, social media, and the list goes on. But you don’t really see that from the outside, most people just see a polished mug or dinnerware set. When the truth is that I spend 90% of the time covered in mud in my studio grinding away. But all of that to say, I believe the unique process of owning a ceramic business is so fulfilling because of all of the challenges and steps it takes to create a finished product.
What’s one artist you look up to?
There are countless artists / small business owners I look up to– including my friend Hannah of Reverie Coffee House. She started out in a tiny coffee trailer last summer, and just opened her first brick and mortar cafe in Brunswick. I’m so inspired not only by her determination, but by the way she lifts others up, and wants everyone to be successful.
What do you do when you’re not making pottery?
When I’m not creating, I love to travel abroad, read, write, mountain bike, trail run, and cook / bake.
Night owl or early bird?
I’ve learned I’m the most ‘productive’ in the mornings. But every once in a while, I love late nights in the studio. Sometimes I like to pour myself a glass of wine, put on my favorite playlist, and sit down at the wheel to throw.
What's your favorite place in Maine?
I have lots of favorite spots in Maine, but one of my favorite things to do in the summer is to make a midcoast trip. Visiting all the coastal towns along the way, and stopping to swim, hike, visit curated shops filled with Maine made goods, and try the best foodie spots.