Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Latraverse.
Hi Kristina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The story of our little studio by the sea is a simple one. We wanted to create a community around clay. Young, old, experienced or novice, all are welcome. Together, we hope our studio educates, inspires and enhances our community. We offer classes and workshops in addition to Date Nights and private events. We are also a professional pottery studio. Our line of home essentials is art for everyday living, created in our studio just steps away from the sea. Our unique pottery pieces are designed to be used, held and enjoyed.
Opening this pottery studio was a dream. Sometimes, I even pinch myself mid-day with clay-covered hands. The goal of this studio is multi-faceted. We are passionate about creating and inspiring others to create. This is one of the reasons we named our studio Seagrass Pottery. Seagrass provides the nutrients and oxygen for life in the sea to thrive, and we feel like creating art is just as important and encourages people to thrive. We are located just a few blocks east of the Indian River Lagoon and two blocks west of the Atlantic Ocean. Handmade Creating handmade home essentials is close to our heart. Handmade pottery is an art that can be used, held and enjoyed. Unlike many other art forms, pottery can be used daily, whether it is the mug your grab for your morning coffee or the vase you pick up to place a bouquet of handpicked flowers. We provide carefully crafted pottery with a clean, modern twist to enhance your home.
Our classes and workshops enable us to share our passion for clay with our community. Our workshops allow you to explore the possibilities of clay without committing to a class schedule. On the other hand, if you’re looking to dive in, our 6-week wheel throwing classes teach the necessary skills to center, throw cylinders, bowls, cups, and more. No experience necessary, just a willingness to get a little dirty! Memberships Our Community Studio Membership is for those who have experience working with clay and are self-directed. We realize not everyone needs instruction. For those on their own creative journey, we provide a space for you to create. After a short studio orientation, you will receive full access to our studio space. Think of this as an exclusive membership for makers! Come as you are, stay as long as you like. Our members are the foundation of our clay community. We work side-by-side and inspire each other.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Seagrass Pottery opened in late 2019, so the pandemic posed a major challenge for us. We quickly pivoted, offering clay kits to-go! I like to think of it as a creative take-out. Each Clay To-Go kit includes materials, tools and instructions. Completed projects are dropped off at our studio for firing and glazing. We even offer contact-free porch pick-up and drop-off. From there, we began to offer more in-depth courses virtually. These workshops were designed to develop skills working in clay using slabs, pinching, and coils. We are so grateful for the support of our community that kept our kiln running even when our doors were closed. While everyone was home, people really took inventory of their surroundings. We were contacted by so many lovely people looking for handmade vessels for their homes. We worked hard creating dinnerware, mugs, cups, and vases that bring functional art into homes. We also sent handmade pieces across the country connecting people with those they love but were on able to visit.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I work in clay and create beautiful handmade pieces in my studio by the sea. The work I create is important because it is designed to be used and enjoyed. Unlike many other art forms, pottery can be held and used daily (even by little ones). When most people think of pottery, they conjure images of brown coffee mugs, but I put a more modern, clean twist on pottery. I used stoneware and porcelain and primarily glazed in white. Art and art education is very important to me; prior to opening Seagrass Pottery. I worked as the Visual Art & Theatre Content Specialist for Brevard Public Schools, served on the Board of Directors for the Florida Art Education Association and chaired the start Art Advocacy Committee. Currently, I serve on the Advisory Committee for the Brevard Cultural Alliance’s Art in Public Places and was recently nominated as Female Small Business Owner of the Year by WeVenture.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Handmade matters most to us. In a world where everything is mass-manufactured, we like to create work that is touched (hundreds of times) by human hands. Each piece that comes from our studio is made with care with function in mind. We also love inspiring others to work with clay and begin their own creative journey. Our workshops and classes simplify the process allowing even those who have never touched clay before to find success. Creating in clay is accessible to anyone willing to give it a try!
Pricing:
- Workshops $45
- Wheel Throwing Class (6 Weeks) $199
- Porcelain Mugs $32
- Large Bowls $54
Contact Info:
- Email: info@seagrasspottery.com
- Website: www.seagrasspottery.com
- Instagram: @seagrasspottery
- Facebook: @seagrasspottery
