Today we’d like to introduce you to Rochelle Garcia.
Hi Rochelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I first fell in love with clay at a young age. I remember making a horrible little pitcher and a really heavy mug. That was the first time I touched clay but I really started to create in 2012 while attending Maine College of Art. I took a ceramics class while exploring the different majors my freshmen and got hooked.
It was all I could think and talk about. After graduating with a BFA in Ceramics and a minor in Public engagement, I move back home to Florida to keep my artistic life going! The shop Cute and Clay was formed in 2016 with a brick-and-mortar in Artegon Orlando. There I sold my art, had ceramic classes, and made work while people shopped.
Sadly the whole mall was closed before my little shop Cute and Clay even reached a year there. Since I had no storefront and a lot of pieces I decided to apply to participate in a cool local market called the Milk Mart. I had such a blast that I started to travel around various indie markets around Florida. Indie Flea, Buena Market, Bandit Market, and a bunch more. I now work from my home studio most days and travel to sell my art at local markets and online.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s always been an interesting experience you never know what you’re going to get. Some months are better than others but I would say after Artegon closed down I was at a loss for a bit.
I had thought opening a physical store was the only way to start but when that dream ended abruptly I had to change perspectives. It was a lot of trial and error but I’m glad that I didn’t stop creating.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Ceramic artist that makes one-of-a-kind handmade pieces. My creations are whimsical and lighthearted, meant to bring joy and happiness into everyday objects like mugs, faces, bowls, planters, and jewelry. I hand build and pinch as well as throw all of my pieces. I enjoy the imperfection, and texture that is ingrained into each piece by working using my hands. I often paint, carve, and add on flowers, plants, polka dots, and smiling “Carrot” nose characters onto my pieces but no two are the same. I don’t think I can make the same thing over and over without changing things around.
Each piece is a completely unique and one-of-a-kind exploration of form, color, and ideas. Often I use various shades of blues, yellows, and pinks in my work. I think these colors really come alive against the warm reddish-brown of the earthenware clay body I use. I am inspired by my love of cute things, cartoons, and words that make me feel a sense of joy. I hope for smiles and laughter when people come across my work and a special feeling of owning a piece of art.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy? Creating things in every form that I can. When I’m not making something with clay, I’m crocheting, writing, gardening, painting, drawing, reading, or exploring ideas in my head. I think making is essential to my happiness and keeps me happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.Cuteandclay.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuteandclay/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CuteandClay/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Cuteandclay
