Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I grew up in the Bay Area, and I was living in the Lake Merritt area of Oakland as a young adult. This is where I was introduced to ceramics.  I started at Laney Community College, learning how to throw on the wheel, and then I continued on to receive a degree in The Practice of Art at UC Berkeley.  Richard Shaw was my professor at the time, and he was highly influential for me.  He showed me how wonderful handbuilding was, and he helped me to find my own creative voice. So yes, I think my experiences in the Bay Area, especially throughout college, have definitely shaped my interests and direction into what they have become today.

Very cool. How do you define success as an artist?

For me, success as an artist is simply feeling content with what I am creating, as well as providing joy for others.

What would you say is the hardest part of the creation process?

Hm, that is hard because it can change depending on what I am doing and what is going on in my personal life. If I had to think of one consistent difficulty, it would probably be the physical strain on my body.  I want to build at least 5 hrs a day, 5 days a week, but I have to be careful and take time off in order to avoid injury.  This can be incredibly difficult, especially during times of feeling inspired.

How has your style changed over time?

After learning how to throw on the wheel, then being introduced to handbuilding, I began making more sculptural pieces, not necessarily functional anymore. This work was more detailed, thematic, and had a darker tone. Then, after moving to Los Angeles in my early 30’s, having children, and taking a break from ceramics, I eventually began working for someone doing production pottery.  In this job I was making planters for plants. I have always loved owning lots of houseplants, so having the opportunity to work in a space where I could make ceramic pieces for plants, while being surrounded by plants, was a dream for me. I was highly influenced by this experience, so after a few years I decided to continue to work with planters and plants, but create my own designs and eventually create my own business.

Her favorite piece!

Love that! What is your favorite item that you have created and why?

My favorite piece might be from my early years, at UC Berkeley.  It’s not a style or form that I have wanted to continue making, but I think it was a piece that represented my ability to create and execute something visually interesting, as well as technically difficult. I think this piece represents a starting point for gaining a level of confidence and excitement needed in order to commit my life to being a ceramicist.

What do you love most about Pasadena?

Honestly, it’s mainly a nostalgic place for me because it reminds me of my grandfather. He lived in Pasadena my whole life, so my dad would take my siblings and I to visit a few times a year. Though I have lived in LA for 13 years now, I live on the west side, so I don’t get to explore Pasadena a lot.  However, every time I go, it brings back a lot of memories. It also just has a nice feeling to it all around. It’s a very peaceful city, and I always enjoy visiting, especially when I can be a part of Jackalope.  It’s a great way to meet new people and learn more about the small businesses in the area.

Find Stone Garden Ceramics at Jackalope Pasadena on November 9th & 10th, 2024

Instagram: @stonegarden_ceramics

Michelle from Fruit of the Bloom

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  

I grew up in suburban Chicago, and while I was lucky enough to have been exposed to art in many forms in a city where art is revered, my artistic abilities originate from my mother’s family. My grandfather, Harvey Rubin, was a commercial artist and sign painter for the Chicago Park District, and my mom, who minored in art at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, is by far the most creative person I’ve ever met. My cousin Marcie, an accomplished artist with a Master’s of Fine Arts from the University of Chicago, is a curator for a local art museum. My mom always encouraged me to nourish and lean into my creative side. This led me to enter art contests and participate in theater, dance, speech team…and eventually evolved into a 17-year career as a publicist in the entertainment industry before leaving to pursue floral preservation full-time. My grandfather would probably bemoan the fact that my new(er) profession has little to do with my (expensive) college degree, but I think he’d understand that I want to spend every day surrounded by flowers, making art and creating a second life for beautiful blooms.

What is your biggest artistic influence?

Nature is my biggest influence. Flowers have this insane power to instantly boost your mood. We send flowers to convey just about any emotion or sentiment, and to be able to turn that ephemeral beauty into a piece of botanical artwork is quite magical.  Whenever possible, I love to see how flowers grow outdoors to witness their natural movements and “interactions” with other flora and fauna. I also can spend hours walking through The Original Los Angeles Flower Market and perusing the social feeds of local florists like Wild Flora, Seed Floral and The English Garden who create jaw dropping arrangements that have tons of movement and texture. There is so much beauty in the imperfections of nature: a bud that won’t open or a flower with an extra petal. It’s a great reminder to artists such as myself to embrace the beautiful elements of our work that make it handmade.

Love that! How do you define success as an artist?

If fresh flowers can bring a smile to someone’s face, I’d love nothing more than for my resin pieces to also make someone smile. I mean, it wouldn’t hurt for that smile to turn into a “I must have this piece in my home,” but getting that unfiltered, positive reaction to my work is rewarding. The majority of my (economic) success comes from bespoken collections: sentimental pieces that I’ve made using bridal bouquets, memorial flowers or other meaningful arrangements. But it’s so much fun to experiment and create pieces that I can sell at markets. I love interacting with nature and art-loving people!

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

Resin, resin resin, ha! Resin is a challenging and finicky medium and has an innate ability to keep even the most experienced resin professionals on their toes! Resin not only requires consistency and stability in ambient temperature and humidity but mixing too much at a time, using too much heat to pop bubbles or even pouring too quickly can cause a “flash cure” or a slew of other issues. I knew that being an artist would mean having to wear a lot of hats (ex: social media manager, website developer, photographer, videographer, sander, marketer), but chemist wasn’t one I expected to wear daily.

How has your style changed over time?

I’ve always gravitated towards patterns, bright colors, things that stand out. Colored bouquets tend to dry the best (whites can turn ivory or have tinges of yellow), and they look absolutely stunning against a black or colored background. I’ve been experimenting with more colors, ombre backgrounds and even patterns.  For instance, I have these woven black and white French bistro chairs that have seen better days. I cut out and used some of the plastic “threads” as bold background for some coasters featuring yellow butterfly ranunculus.  I’ve always been fascinated with mixed media; most of the art in our home is of that genre, so it feels natural that I’ve also been playing around with floral cyanotypes. Right now, I am working on a few resin pieces where the dried flowers used will have a cyanotype “shadow” in the fabric background of the piece.

Propagation Vase

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

I’m always drawn to functional art, and I’m going to have a hard time letting go of this funky propagation vase from my “coral collection.” Magenta, tangerine, lime and mellow yellow celosia and cockscomb “float” in a vibrant, water-like blue background. It has color, texture, embedded flowers AND holds a few fresh blooms – what more could you want?!

Beautiful. What do you love most about Burbank?

My husband grew up in Burbank, and it’s really special to see some of his closest friends return with families of their own. My mother-in-law also lives there, so we are in the area quite often. I haven’t lived in my hometown of Chicago in 20 years, and most of my relatives are in the Midwest or farther, so being in Burbank feels like coming home.

And, finally - is there anything special that you would like to share?

Thanks to social media, especially TikTok and Instagram, there has been an increased interest in and knowledge of epoxy resin from crafters and non-crafters alike. While it’s exciting to see, for anyone looking to experiment, please make sure you do your research and not only buy quality epoxy resin (which does not include what is available at chain craft stores) but most importantly, PPE including nitrile gloves and a respirator mask. Even the top tier brands that claim to have no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are toxic once you mix Part A and Part B, so PPE and good ventilation is essential. Feel free to reach out to me on Instagram (@FruitOfTheBloomBoutique) with any questions. I love talking about resin!

Catch Fruit of the Bloom at Jackalope Burbank on December 9th & 10th!

Website: www.fruitofthebloomboutique.com

Instagram: @fruitofthebloomboutique

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  

Nathan Eigenfeld of EigenVisison

I currently live in Colorado, but am a avid road warrior. It’s a part of my process, I am on the road 5 months out of the year. Living in the mountains helps me connect with nature and feeds my process. One of my favorite artists is Mark Rothko, known for his outstanding color block images. I’ve tried to channel his style into my photography. 

How do you define success as an artist?

Success for me is making people feel- anything, it doesn’t matter - awe, inspiration, emptiness, loneliness, despair, hope, love - whatever. Color seems to simplify feelings.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

The hardest part for my creation process is the alone time. Many of these images have been created on multi-day backcountry wilderness treks while alone. That’s where I can let myself create the best and let my intuition guide me. Despite it giving me a sense of freedom, overcoming physical challenges alone in the wilderness can be daunting, and yet, it is ultimately rewarding as well.

How has your style changed over time?

My style is always evolving, but I have certainly settled into a minimalist style, emphasizing empty space. It has been fulfilling to have people identify with this.

What’s your favorite image that you’ve created, and why?

One of my favorite images I’ve created is my silhouetted image of Joshua Trees. It was at a time when I was unsure of my process and was struggling to “Be Myself” - which I’ve named the image. I shot it during a brilliant pink sunrise just off the road in Joshua Tree National Park in December of 2021. I absolutely love how the silhouette emphasizes the quirkiness of the trees, all different and disjointed in their own ways - they have no issues being themselves.

And finally, what do you love most about Pasadena?

Having attended Pasadena fair last spring, I fell in love with the energy of the downtown - a destination for such a diversity of people. Californians love their art and are not afraid to buy things on the street! Selling photos of pure wilderness in a city setting is rewarding and can even feel like a sort of ministry to me, reminding people of what’s ‘out there’ beyond the concrete and hustle and bustle. I am looking forward to this Fall’s market!

Catch EigenVision at Jackalope Pasadena on November 18th & 19th!

Website: www.nathaneigenfeld.com

Instagram: @eigenvision

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
I grew up in Long Beach, California as an only child & was fortunate enough to be exposed to a few key elements that would heavily influence my life: travel, food, music and art. I earned my BFA in Fine Art Photography and have explored all different mediums of art throughout the past few decades.

Speaking of influences, who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
I am highly influenced by geometric & organic architecture, Art Deco, minimalism & mixed sacred geometry.

We can definitely see how these influences impact your work. How do you define success as an artist?
Being an artist is quite a dynamic experience in many aspects. I think the hardest part can be maintaining confidence throughout the challenging periods we all experience at one point or another.

Good point. How have you developed your skill at your craft?

I have always been open to exploring creative skills. One day in 2014 I walked by a stained glass store & decided I wanted to try it out. I bought a bunch of supplies, watched a few videos, made an embarrassingly terrible piece & immediately fell in love. I did not have the time outside of my full time job to take a class and I dedicated every free moment to teaching myself through trial and error. For two years I made many pieces & gave them away as gifts. I obsessively absorbed any information I could find about the craft & challenged myself to elevate my skill level and develop a unique style.

That is great! What is the hardest part of your creation process?
Saying no! My long career in hospitality (before I quit to be a full time artist) has carried over into this constant struggle to want to take on EVERY request no matter what the circumstance. I am getting better, but still need to say no more often to things that may not serve me (my time, my energy, my design style).

Realizing that is the first step! How has your style changed over time?
It’s really interesting to look back over the past 8 years & identify how my design aesthetic/style has developed. I have always been drawn to geometric forms & when I started working with glass that is all I saw - colors as shapes, individual pieces creating a whole, in its simplest form. I don’t think my style changed much over time within this basic element, but my use and appreciation of color has grown from a monochromatic representation into a full balance & appreciation of how light & texture affect design impact. The patchwork design was the main one that has evolved over time specifically in the way I can just flow with the colors & shapes to create a balanced result, and the skill level is deceivingly difficult.

Patience I am sure is needed. What’s the best thing about being an artist?

My favorite thing about being an artist is to create things that bring joy to others, especially the collaboration process when working with clients on custom projects.

How about a favorite item you have created?

Choosing a favorite creation is hard! There are those that are my favorites because they challenged me towards growth, those that I developed new techniques to accomplish a desired result, and those that just felt like the “best” creation to date. The most meaningful item that I have created is a large rainbow sun panel for a loyal client whom I have previously made some rainbow color way panels. For this sister panel to the others, I was given some general guidance & allowed the freedom to push the design where it “wanted” to go. I was working on this panel just after my father’s passing & was very present to the spiritual embodiment of this particular design, the sun shining its rainbow rays.

We hear you helped create an important piece for this year’s Burning Man. Given that the festival didn’t quite go as planned this year, what happened with your art?  How did it feel to be a part of that?

This year I had the extraordinary opportunity to create a stained glass heart for The Man at Burning Man.   I was told by the crew that every year there is some sort of heart form installed inside The Man, however it is never visible.  This year the heart was intended to symbolize an extremely special commemoration for a longtime member & engineer of the build crew.  For the first time, the heart would be illuminated within this massive structure & the heart would beat with a pulsing light until it burned in front of 70,000 people.  I put more love into this heart than anything I have ever created in 10 years of glassing, knowing that it was being created to live a very short & sacred life.  With the rains that essentially shut the festival down for a few days, the scheduled burn night was postponed - the first time in the history of the event that The Man did not burn on Saturday night.  Watching it burn two nights later was about as cathartic an experience as you can imagine, all while sharing it with tens of thousands of people. 

The Heart is absolutely stunning. Did it survive the burn? 

I was told the next day that someone found some fused glass remnants in the still smoldering ash pile at the base of the man. 

I wonder if that person knows what that little object once was, what it symbolized and how it changed me as an artist. 

Rainbow Sun Panel

The Heart for Burning Man

This sounds like such an incredible & special opportunity. What is a typical day like in the studio for you?

I am very lucky to work out of my home studio workshop space which is a separate building on our property, so I get the benefit of "going to work" but can always be surprise visited by my dogs & chickens, which makes for a pretty silly daily "routine". There are always a minimum of a half dozen projects in progress, ranging from large window panels to a variety of custom design collaborations to decor & jewelry items for the few wholesale accounts I work with. I also am always creating stock for my online shop, items that are always available for purchase. I love my "job" so much that it can be challenging at times to "turn it off" with a set schedule, but I try to stick to 9 hours a day on average. I am also quite fortunate to have some helping hands from two local stained glass artists who help with the massive amount of detail work involved in this craft, such as hours upon hours of grinding, cleaning, polishing & packaging.

What do you love most about Pasadena?

Pasadena has some really incredible history! I particularly love the historic architecture throughout the city, but especially the stunning American Craftsman examples coming out of the Arts and Crafts movement, which included interior design, landscape design, applied arts, and decorative arts. There are so many extraordinary examples of stained glass, the Gamble House being the most famous and accessible.

What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

I will be bringing some specialty creations just for the occasion. In addition to a wide range of colorful suncatchers, window decor & ornaments perfect for gifts, I will have some unique larger panels and mobiles that I only create for the Jackalope shows.

Anything special you’d like to add?
I am thrilled to be participating in Jackalope Artisan Fair again! When I first became a vendor several years ago I was just starting out in my journey of figuring out how to sell my work & I gained such a valuable experience from participating in these events & found genuine support from the maker community & the loyal buyers who come to support this unique event.

Catch Culotta Creations at Jackalope Pasadena on November 18th & 19th!

Where to see more of Culotta Creations:

Website | www.culottacreations.com

Instagram | @culottacreations

Tell us how you got started?

I am addicted to buying vintage glassware to use for parties and entertaining. So much so that I promised my husband I would stop collecting it since our china cabinet and bar shelves are completely overflowing! We entertain a lot and I absolutely love finding the perfect cocktail for a gathering - particularly my annual birthday bash theme party that I throw for myself. After I discovered a couple of candlemakers on Instagram making candles out of thrifted and vintage ceramic wares, I thought it was absolutely brilliant and knew how I wanted to put my own spin on the idea: by pairing a candle scent with an inspired cocktail recipe and using only vintage glassware for my sets. Now I get to enjoy the thrill of the hunt searching for unique glassware and cocktail recipes and they get to live on someone else’s shelf!

Such a fun concept! Do you have a story behind your company name?

Not a story per se, but I wanted the brand name to reflect both aspects of our sets - the candle and the cocktail. A very literary-minded friend of mine helped me develop word association lists and she helped me come up with the combo Flicker and Fizz (over a couple of cocktails of course). It made us both smile as we said it and I hope it evokes a similar sense of happiness for others as they burn their candle and enjoy their curated cocktail recipe along with it.

Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

I love that Flicker and Fizz taps into different sides of my brain and touches on so many diverse interests of mine, from the thrill of the hunt sourcing the glassware to the actual candle pouring to the graphic design of the recipe cards that are included in every set.

What inspires you to create?

Creativity has always been part of my life thanks to my parents. I like to joke that they were the OG dumpster divers and repurposers from back in the 70s before it was so mainstream. Our house was full of antique furniture and architectural finds that they had found and restored or repurposed into something new. Dad was a high school art teacher at one point in his career and Mom was always sewing her own clothes and accessories or recovering furniture. So being creative makes me feel close to them.

Love that! What’s a typical day like for you in your studio?

It’s different depending on what aspect of Flicker and Fizz I’m working on. On candle making days, I crank the tunes and take over the entire kitchen. But when I’m working on graphic design or website stuff, I’m usually in my home office at the computer in silence because I get so engulfed in the process and like to hear myself think. And then it’s party time during cocktail development. I usually have a house full of friends sampling drinks and providing feedback. That part is very social for me. All in all, I think it goes back to the fact that I love how my process taps into so many facets of my personality.

Do you have a favorite item you’ve created and why?

I’m actually an architectural historian by training and worked in the field for several years earlier in my professional life. There’s this set of Midcentury Modern style highball tumblers with gold leaf illustrations of Minneapolis architectural landmarks from the 1960s that I had had my eyes on for a really long time but could never find them for a price that I could justify. This was years ago, so fast forward to being on the hunt for Flicker and Fizz and I found a set at a local antique mall that I just couldn’t pass up. So I brought them home thinking I could enjoy them for myself for a while and then make them into Flicker and Fizz sets to sell. Then the next week I saw a second set (complete with the original box!) on Facebook Marketplace and I knew I had to get it for myself. I just love that these glasses are so intersectional with my passion for architecture. The set even has my favorite building in all of Minneapolis as one of its featured landmarks!

So Fun! What did you miss most about in-person events now that events are picking back up?

I actually started Flicker and Fizz in the spring of 2021, so I’m just now getting my first few events under my belt. But I’ve always loved going to art fairs and shows to discover new things and support local creators. I really enjoy interacting with artists and hearing about what excites them about their work because it makes me even more excited about it. So I’m looking forward to being on the flipside of that coin and hope I can create a similar experience for others.

What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

Flicker and Fizz will be bringing lots of great fall-inspired candle and cocktail sets. I love fall, so I’ve had great fun curating my collection of glassware for the season. There will be lots of vintage smoky glass sets as well as amber goblets and really cool retro printed sets. And I’m particularly excited to debut the Minneapolis landmark tumbler sets I mentioned earlier.

Fall is so pretty here in Minneapolis! Speaking of, what do you love most about Minnesota?

I love the diverse geography the state offers. My husband and I like to get out and explore all the state parks, lakes, rivers, and forests with our two dogs. No matter which way we go outside of the Cities - or even within the metro area - there are so many wonderful landscapes to discover.

Definitely very fortunate for that here. Anything special you’d like to share?

As a new creator to the scene, I’m just really excited to be part of the inaugural Minneapolis Jackalope Art Fair. It kind of feels like we’re going through these firsts together and I’m really looking forward to the event!

We can’t wait to see you in person this October 2nd & 3rd when Jackalope makes our debut in the Twin Cities!

Where to see more of Flicker and Fizz:

Website | www.flickerfizz.com

Instagram | @shopflickerandfizz

1. How did you get your start in the handmade community? 

I enjoy attending the incredible community markets here in Northern California, and always leave inspired to create something of my own. I love collecting and finding ways to make things that fit my personal style, which led me to hand-painting natural bamboo housewares.

2. What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?

I’m super meticulous, pouring my heart and soul into each of my pieces. They become an extension of me. Each piece tells a story or emotion for me. At times it can be difficult to let go of them when sold!

3. What or Who Inspires you?

I’m extremely inspired by the mid-century modern aesthetic. As a life-long Californian, the influence that the West Coast’s ‘Sunbaked Modernism’ has had on my work is undeniable.

4. What is your creative process like?

I work best in spurts. I find that most of the time I need to mentally prepare myself to sit before beginning to paint. Magazines help spark fresh color combinations. I also find inspiration in the shapes of California-native plants and landscapes.

5. What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received?

Even when you’re trying to make money with it, remember to stay true to what you love about making art or it will just become a job.

6. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I’ll bring my full line of customized housewares. Everything from bamboo planters, chopping boards and utensils to stoneware will be on hand. 

7. Where can we learn more about you?

You can learn more about me through social media @Nevmade, and online at NevMade.com. NevMade items are also available through many West Elm retail locations throughout California.

How would you describe your style?  Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?
My style would be eclectically natural with a touch of modern industrial.  Inspirations and artists / designers I look up to ranges ... from Gorjana Jewelry to Nicole Curtis HGTV. As for Interior designer styles that inspire, I have a few: Kelly Wearstler, Brooke Wagner, Raili Clasen

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own? 
It's a true evolution from creative finds and natural reclaim earth. I create what I feel I'd love to see in my home, space, and common area I frequent. I feel my designs never stop growing. When I creating a new piece or an ordered one, I'm already thinking of the changes, or options I could do it it. That's what make me a true artist 👨‍🎤 As a jewelry designer by trade the designing of 

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?
I find inspiration through all things around me, from the mountains to the beaches

When do you feel the most creative?
I feel most creative when I'm in the moment creating in studio or workshop surrounded by all the rocks, stones and wood.  I also get inspiration when I'm walking vintage markets or thrifting through weekend drive arounds. Honestly I can get creative anywhere. My favorite thing to do is create custom designs for clients, drawing inspiration from their existing style. Oh and I also dream about new designs (-:

What is your creative process like?
I usually create a design board but on a table, spreading everything out by colors, mediums, and styles.  It's all about trial and error because a lot of my work can only work if the functionality is there so visually we have to build it to suite or test but then make sure it's do able for the final installation. 

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?
ot sure 🤔 besides I've been told a lot lately, "keep doing what your doing because your stuff is great!"
I always love to go with "if you don't love it don't create it!"

What is your biggest motivation?
My biggest inspiration and motivation is having my little man say, "wow, mom, you are creative!"  As a single Mom, it gives me great pride to show my son what it truly is to work (hard) and do what you love! He is learning more at his young age about how to think of something, sketch it out, and go through the creative process of seeing is come to life than I could ever dream, just by seeing Mom do it. When he has a choice on doing homework or helping Mommy cut some copper pipe, he will choose the cutting. Obviously it’s all about balance but I am very happy to be able to teach him that we can do anything we set our minds to. 

Where can we learn more about you?  
My website has a bit more about my and my team or Instagram is the best way to keep up to date with what IRD is up to. 
www.indierepublicdesign.com  

How would you describe your style?

I’m not sure that I can name my style. So many art movements and cultures inspire me. I’ve always felt that I’m a very intuitive maker. I go wherever the art takes me. Often I complete a design and the final piece looks very different from my original notes and sketches. People that see my work in person sometimes tell me that my work has an art deco or tribal feel and as long as the costumer has a connection to the pieces I’m totally ok with that.

When do you feel the most creative?

In the dark! I feel that my best ideas come to me when I’m laying in bed at night. I toss and turn thinking of all the how’s and why’s of a design. I get so excited to get a sketch out on paper but am too lazy to actually get up and do it. I eventually fall asleep and if the idea still makes sense to me the next morning, then it’s a winner.

What is your creative process like?

I start of new designs with a really loose sketch that consists more of notes than actual drawing. I usually don’t do many detailed drawings by hand; I’m more of a digital designer. When I’m working on a new design I use my sketches/notes and build the design by adding and subtracting elements. I follow my gut and have to keep many things in mind as I design because stitching onto wood isn’t as forgiving as stitching into fabric so a lot of planning goes into the designs. Once I feel good with the design I start building and drilling a prototype. Then once my wood panel prototype is ready that’s when I actually start thinking about threads and colors. The final step is stitching and I finally get to see the design come to life.

When people see my work in person they assume that the embroidery phase is the most time consuming, sometimes a piece does take hours to stitch but what takes the most time is building and drilling each design. It’s a long and detailed process but a true labor of love. Completing each piece brings me joy and pride.

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?

It’s not a tip but a quote by Saul Bass, “I want to make beautiful things, even if nobody cares”. It keeps me motivated to create for me and no one else.

Any special item you'll be releasing or sale you'll be doing at the fair that we should tell people about?

I didn’t participate in any spring or summer fairs because I wanted to focus on producing new designs. So there will be many new and limited pieces to see at Jackalope holiday market. Plus, I always do a small price mark down on all my pieces for craft fairs.

Where can we learn more about you?

I’m most active on Instagram @GracyDesignAndCraft but you can also find me on facebook/GracyDesignAndCraft and on twitter @GracyDesign

How would you describe your style? Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?

I would describe my style as whimsical, cute, and delicate. The artists I'm influenced by include Salvador Dali, Dr. Seuss (if you haven't seen his fine art, you should look it up), and Daniel Merriam, among others.

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?

What makes my work unique and truly my own is the love and care I put into every piece. I make a lot of similar items but they are all unique in some way and I love making each one. They all have their own "personalities", and I love seeing people connect with the one they choose to bring home with them. I call it an adoption, not a sale.

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?

It's hard to say what inspires me because inspiration comes from everything, everyone, and everywhere. I never know what's going to spark an idea next. Right now I'm taking a sculpture class at Scottsdale Community College and seeing some of the other students' and my instructor's work has been inspiring. I also get a lot of ideas when I travel. Sometimes individuals are my inspiration, or a cool tree, or a cloud, something I read... you get it. I love the unpredictability of it.

When do you feel the most creative?

I feel the most creative when I'm with my partner chatting over coffee about the future and our plans. He's also very creative, but in a very different way than I am, and that makes us an amazing team. I think that's what people mean when they refer to their "other half." He thinks of things I'd never come up with and pushes me to try things I wouldn't otherwise. Partnering with him has been one of the best decisions I've made for Happy Kitty Ceramics so far and I can't wait to see where we go!

What is your creative process like?

Creating just one Happy Kitty mug is a very involved process. First all the individual pieces of the feet, face, ears, and tail must be formed. Sometimes I add a bow tie or tongue, too. Then I make a pinch pot for the mug, and assemble everything. After that, the mug has to dry slowly to redistribute moisture throughout the porcelain and prevent cracking. Then when they are bone-dry each mug is underglazed with its own unique design. The first firing process is called bisque firing, which semi-vitrifies the mug at a relatively low temperature (about 1900 degrees F) leaving it porous but less fragile than bone-dry. Then it's time to glaze the mugs and fire them again at a higher temperature to vitrify the porcelain (turn it into stone using high heat) and turn the glaze into the glossy waterproof surface of the finished piece. Each of those firings take about 8 hours. It takes a lot of time to make them, but now that I have help from my partner and can get higher volume batches done, the process is slowly becoming more efficient and sustainable on a larger scale. We're not quite ready to go viral yet, though.

What other products to you create?

I do more than just kitty mugs, too. I make nose mugs, alien planet mugs, and other animals upon request. I also sometimes make bowls and other vessels as well, when time permits. The Happy Kitty classic mug is our most popular item, but the Happy Kitty product line is expanding to other items as well. As we streamline the production process, I'll also begin to incorporate more fine art pieces into our inventory as well. I also create some small porcelain jewelry. I'm sensitive to metal and want to provide a jewelry line that others like me can wear without severe irritation. Stay tuned! Instagram will be the best source of new product sneak peeks. 

Where can we learn more about you?

You can learn more about me, my partner, and Happy Kitty Ceramics by following us on Facebook (Happy Kitty Ceramics) and on Instagram @happykittyceramics.

Follow us and feel free to send a message through either of those profiles and you'll get a reply within a few days. Custom orders are more than welcome and we're looking for shelf space in local coffee shops, shelters, galleries, etc. to help make our items more accessible. We also have a very under-stocked Etsy store. Product has been selling out before I can list it. Our Website is coming soon!

Also, Happy Kitty mugs will be available at Fearless Kitty Rescue in Fountain Hills in the very near future. If you're looking for a new pet and maybe a coffee mug, they'll both be available there. Part of the proceeds in a mug purchase at their facility goes back to the Fearless Kitties and supports their no-kill shelter.

• What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?  Seasonally I curate a candle collection that showcases my passion for the southwest, handcrafted products and quality ingredients. The Prickly Pear Sorbet scented candle is my most unique candle. The fragrance is a custom blend that I created to make the perfect fragrance of the delicately flavored prickly pear fruit.

• What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?  I celebrate the culture and style of this region by selecting scents influenced from the southwest. The stunning deserts, mountains, canyons and rivers are purely inspirational. I also look for inspiration in my daughter Brooke because while I try to teach her the meaning of life, I realize she continues to teach me what life is all about.

• When do you feel the most creative? In the morning after a cup of coffee.😬😂

• Where can we learn more about you?  Instagram. Photography is another passion of mine, equally along side candle-making, crafting, a love of the outdoors and being a mom and I document it all through pictures on Instagram. All of the photos in my feed are taken by me, unless it's a repost from another Instagram account. @sunnybrookeco