Every Friday until the new year I'll be featuring a local artist or maker!
Today, we are talking to Tanya from Zinnia Designs - she is incredibly talented!
Tell me about your brand, how did you get started?
"I have a BFA in ceramics from Mass Art, but shortly after graduation I began a 10 year career in marketing. I was missing clay, so when we bought our home I installed a kiln. My friends were having babies and I started doing impressions of the baby's hands & feet in clay. One day I had a piece of clay left over and decided to make a little dish with a star in the center. I had it on my desk at work for paperclips and after numerous compliments I decided to make more. I opened an Etsy shop in 2008 and now have online shopping on my own website."
What is your favorite product you've made?
"I love making personalized birthday dishes that will be cherished for years to come."
When you're in the studio, what are you listening to?
"Spotify playlist and podcasts"
Tell me about your creative process.
"I roll out the clay and hand cut the pieces. After they dry a bit I smooth the edges and form the dish in my hands. I work directly on the clay with stamps for text and images."
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
"You don't have to say yes to every special request."
What is your dream project?
"I don't have a dream project, but I do have a dream location for my studio. I've been working in a basement for over 12 years and someday I will have a studio where I can look out the window at the ocean and smell the salt air."