October 27, 2015
Dorotea Ceramics
We’re kicking off our New York Maker Spotlights with some beautiful vessels by Dorotea Ceramics. Carolina Silva is the artist behind Dorotea and will be bringing her pieces to our New York Holiday Fair November 14+15. We are so excited!
Where did your business name come from?
Dorotea is my daughter’s name. Is there an interesting history behind? When I was brainstorming for names and could not decide on any, it was my mother’s suggestion.
When/Why did you start working in this particular craft/field?
As an artist I was working with clay, making large-scale sculptures. After my daughter was born I was more limited in time and space but still wanted to work with clay so very instinctively it derived to tableware and functional or decorative objects that incorporate hand drawing and are one of a kind but were smaller in scale.
What do you think sets your designs apart from others?
My background as an artist. Not having been taught as a ceramist allows me a lot of freedom and openness towards the possibilities of what can be made and how and I am more interested in the uniqueness of the object than in the perfection of a craft.
Have you had any major failures?
If after putting a lot of time and effort in a piece it breaks it always feels like failure but I have also learned to understand that its fragility is also part of the nature and beauty of the medium.
Have you sacrificed anything to create your business? If so, do you have any regrets?
I cannot dedicate so much time to my artwork now, it is hard for me to find the balance and it is getting harder and harder to separate one from the other, it is all mingling in the studio but I am embracing that.
What has been your proudest/favorite moment since creating your business?
It is always when people come to the studio and appreciate the work. Having that interaction is very beautiful.
How does the city you live in influence your work?
The Pacific Northwest is a place where seasons are very defined and I love that. The changes of colors, smells, light and vegetation that happen throughout the year are very inspiring. I pay attention to all the little details, flowers and patterns found in nature here.
What valuable experience/knowledge did you have before starting your business?
I knew I wanted to work following my free spirit and that it would be hard in many ways, especially being a one person run business. I can be in the studio making things forever but the administrative part of the business is proving to be harder for me, though I try to keep learning!
What made you take this leap into being your own boss?
My need to be creative.
What are some inspirations for your work?
The Arts and Crafts movement in the early 20th Century.
What are some tips or suggestions you’d like to offer to fellow makers?
To fully enjoy making what you make and listen to your own creative drive rather than to what is dictated by the moment.
We love Carolina’s work and can’t wait for you to as well (you know, if you don’t already). Mark your calendars for our New York Fair! In the meantime, you can find Dorotea online here: