Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Baker.
Hi Holly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in a small town outside of Chicago in a household that valued and encouraged creativity. I was fortunate enough to have an incredible professor in high school who introduced ceramics to me and encouraged me to pursue ceramics at the university level. I then went on to graduate with a degree from San Diego State University, getting to explore many different mediums but still emphasizing in ceramics. Currently, as an artist, I am the Studio Operator at the Ceramic Collective Maek Friends. I oversea our two locations, getting to create our glazes, run the day-to-day tasks and teach new members about the ceramic process. In 2022 I started Holly Bakes Clay, as a platform to sell my personal creations.
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?
I graduated in December 2019 planning to start with Maek Friends in spring of 2020. As we all know, everything came to a stop that year due to the global pandemic. We pushed back opening until fall of 2021.
Once we got our doors open, I have been blessed with a career that I love, one which allows me to run Holly Bakes Clay on a level that keeps it enjoyable.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a ceramic artist, operating my own business Holly Bakes Clay. I primarily create functional pottery and decor items. I do small street fairs and have a website, though my favorite way to create is through commissioned work. I love getting to chat with someone about their needs and designing a piece that specifically fits their style and space. My ceramic experience is very broad, ranging from sculptural installations to coffee mugs. My passion is getting to make a piece that fits the owner.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I would always recommend joining a community space or taking a class and talking to people with that shared interest. The beauty of ceramics is that the entire world has been working with clay for thousands of years. Meaning it’s a very diverse world of creativity; there’s always something to explore. Whether your mentor is a professor or classmate, I think as long as you have someone who encourages your creativity, that is beautiful.
Contact Info:
- Website: hollybakesclay.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollybakesclay/
Image Credits
Hunter Bragg
