Creative Capital: The artist who brings joy through her small animal ceramics

I AM ASSUMING LITHOPS IS YOUR FULL-TIME ENDEAVOUR. WAS IT A DIFFICULT OR SCARY DECISION TO BECOME A FULLTIME CRAFTSPERSON?

Lithops Studio is my full-time endeavour, however I've half time endeavours too. I assist my companion with some advertising work and likewise assist out my associates with tasks the place my skillsets enable, like primary images. It retains issues attention-grabbing and offers me a break from ceramic work, particularly when my fingers are worn out.

I didn’t actually have every other job earlier than Lithops Studio, so it wasn’t scary within the sense that I’d left a secure full-time revenue to pursue the precarious life as a craftsperson. The worry for me started when my fingers began hurting increasingly and I used to be fearful there’d come a day I wouldn’t be capable of work with ceramics anymore. That’s nonetheless one thing I’m working to enhance.

Physiotherapy periods have helped me work out the basis of a few of my points and with that, we’ve been in a position to prescribe particular workouts and good work practises to assist alleviate a number of the aches and pains. There’s additionally the recurring worry that in the future nobody likes my work anymore. But I figured I shouldn’t let that weigh over me. Until that day, if it comes, I’ll simply hold chugging alongside. I make it a degree to develop different skillsets other than ceramics and to take management of my funds, so I received’t have to fret a lot if I've to alter course.

I’M GOING TO ASK A VERY ASIAN QUESTION, BUT WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOUR WORK?

Well, I solely have one Asian guardian since my dad and mom are separated and fortunately my mom has at all times been very supportive of my endeavours. She really helps with fairly a little bit of the behind-the-scenes work. She helps me fold containers, reduce bubble wrap and so forth in her free time. When I used to do pop-ups, she’d make time to be there to assist me in any method she will be able to. She does have some apprehension about me making ceramics my profession and may favor me to be doing one thing else, however she’s by no means imposed it on me.

Growing up she has at all times inspired my siblings and I to hitch her throughout her work conferences so we might be uncovered to totally different worlds and get an understanding of how sure issues work. But she has at all times allow us to discover our personal method. She celebrates my milestones and I’m certain this text can be promptly forwarded to all prolonged household and associates as soon as launched.

She’s additionally involved about my well being since my fingers are at all times in some sort of ache, and he or she feels that this isn’t a long-term answer, which is a legitimate level and one thing I’ve thought of myself. But finally, she’s supportive and enjoys the work I create! 

YOU HAVE A REALLY LARGE FOLLOWING ON SOCIAL MEDIA. HOW IMPORTANT IS INSTAGRAM IN MARKETING YOUR WORK?

I feel Instagram is crucial advertising channel I've. Especially since I at present promote my work through my very own web site as a substitute of a market like Etsy, I must direct all of my very own visitors.

I even have a mailing record, however Instagram continues to be the principle channel for reaching individuals. It offers me a spot to share extra than simply my work. From there, individuals can study in regards to the challenges I face, the thought course of behind a bit of labor, and it additionally permits me to pay attention and study from prospects and potential prospects. Instagram is a documentation of the journey you’re on and folks from all corners of the world who resonate with what you share can come on board.

Without Instagram, I extremely doubt I’d have been in a position to join with the majority of the individuals who at present get pleasure from my work, so I’m actually grateful for social media in that side. It has additionally helped me join with different native makers and a few enjoyable collaborations have spawned from there!