November 25, 2014
Gopi Shah Ceramics
Today we are featuring a new RCF maker, Gopi Shah Ceramics! Gopi will be showcasing her stunning work at our Austin Holiday Market this weekend, and we can’t wait to get our hands on those hands!
Gopi grew up in Los Angeles and recently relocated to Austin, taking a leap of faith transitioning into her dream job of being a full time ceramicist.
Gopi’s inspiration has come from the built and natural environments around her. Formerly, she worked at an environmental non-profit in LA. Hiking, biking, and visiting National and State Parks have been a part of her life since she was little. Gopi’s love for travel has fueled her inspiration daily, from the African textiles and Indian woodblocks she’s seen around the world, to the nature she walks by every day.
Working in the arts full time has opened her eyes to inspiration even in everyday objects. A pattern found on a friend’s rug inspired Gopi to create some of the designs in her ceramic cups.
The collection of handmade ceramics Gopi has created focuses on intricate design work and glazing techniques to showcase her inspirations. Gopi finds being in the studio relaxing and therapeutic. Having patience to craft each piece allows her to slow down and enjoy the process.
Ceramics is an unusual craft since there are so many steps to creating one vessel. For each piece, the clay is wedged, thrown, dried, trimmed, decorated, bisque-fired, glazed, and then re-fired.
Gopi loves the unpredictability of the kiln – never quite knowing that finished product will come out. For her, it’s the fun part – the unknown and vast possibilities that can happen in each stage.
We are in love with Gopi’s love of ceramics and cannot wait to see her work in person at our Austin Holiday Market! Be sure to stop by her booth and say hello. If you have to see more of her work before this weekend (and we don’t blame you) visit her website, etsy shop, and stay inspired with her daily on her Instagram. See you all this weekend for Small Business Saturday!