December 3, 2015
Katie Levinson
Maker Spotlight
We are loving Katie Levinson and her Levindottir collection. These sculptures will be making their way to our Chicago Holiday Fair and we can’t wait to add one of these art pieces to our homes.
Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting history behind?
My business name is Levindottir.
My last name is Levinson and it was an ongoing family joke when I was younger that all of the girls should be called ‘Levindaughter’ instead of ‘Levinson’. Using ‘dottir’ is an ode to that beautiful and magical country, Iceland, where the suffix hails from.
Have you always been passionate about design?
I cannot remember a time when I didn’t love arranging objects in space.
When/Why did you start working in this particular craft/field?
For years, my artwork has lived within a frame but, there is always some depth, some small-scale sculpture in there. It seemed both natural and an immensely big step to start creating small free-standing sculptures.
Have you had any major failures? If so, what were some important insights gained?
I encounter some form of failure with almost each and every project. It’s rare to get things right the first time. I like to call these failures ‘drafts’. Sometimes there’s not just ‘first drafts’ but ‘third’ and ‘fourth drafts’. Each time you get a little more familiar with the material you are working with and hone your approach.
What has been your proudest/favorite moment since creating your business?
The first time I showcased my small sculptures was at a Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago. The reaction and reception was so much more than I ever could have hoped for. The end of the fair felt like the end of Christmas.
What made you take this leap into being your own boss?
It’s living the dream.
