Pack your virtual bags because we are heading to Australia for today’s Meet the Maker! I’m so excited to introduce you to the ceramic making duo, Charlie and Blair. Each one of their completely gorgeous pieces is crafted my hand all from their home. It’s amazing. Here’s what they had to say:
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Hi, we are collectively known as Charlie and Blair! Together we run our shop straight from our home in Brisbane, Australia. We specialize in functional pieces that are made in limited batches, turning each fire into a ‘clean slate’ of possibilities.
2. What made you decide to start selling your work?
As an avid artist and tactile craftsmen we are always creating wares to decorate our home, we started specializing in creating functional pieces that simply bring beauty to a space. As our art evolved so did our pieces, adopting a refined and stylized approach to our medium.
(Leaf Serving Plate available for sale here)
3. What would you say is the greatest challenge you face as a shop owner?
As a fledgling shop owner, our studio is part of our home and this can sometimes blur the distinction between work and life balance. Our greatest challenge is ensuring that our love for our pieces is at the forefront of the creative process. Every piece we create is a possibility and fraught with challenges and self doubt, we embrace our failures and use them as a method of seeking positive aspects within our failures to aid us in our creativity.
4. And the greatest reward?
The creative process for us is rewarding in itself, seeing our pieces take shape from the raw material state and transform into a functional object that can be part of your home and cherished for many years to come.
5. Who or what inspires you?
Our inspiration is drawn from many sources, in particular our travels abroad to Turkey and Japan. Blue is a prominent feature throughout our wares, it is an ode to the beautiful mosques, tiles and jewelry, we have encountered in our travels. We also gain much of our inspiration from nature. These simple forms are reflected in the textures and shapes of the vessels we create.
6. Any advice for people looking to open their own shop?
Start small, try and create a unique feel for your product. Find your niche and try and do localized market research with family and friends. But most of all enjoy the creative process!
7.What’s one fun fact about you that others may not know?
Before we became partners we were childhood friends, having known each other since we were 6 years old.
*Be sure to visit Charlie and Blair’s site as well as their Instagram!