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Renegade Craft Fair

November 2, 2015

Elizabeth Benotti

Maker Spotlight

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New York truly has some of the best ceramic artists around, and Elizabeth Benotti is no exception! Her pieces will be available at our New York Holiday Fair in just a couple of weeks!

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Have you always been passionate about design?

Ever since I was a kid I was into making art, whether it was sewing, origami, or making friendship bracelets. Throughout the years I’ve found my niche in clay. Now I create a variety of pieces with different functions for the home. The malleability of the clay and endless possibilities keeps my interest high.

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When/Why did you start working in this particular craft/field?

I dabbled with clay as a kid, but it was my first throwing class in college where I discovered my heightened interest in the material. Among the other mediums I was studying, I found myself spending all my extra time in the ceramic studio. I grew a quick interested in it because it was very hands on. I also feel like I can relate to the function of the work that I make because of my love for gardening and cooking. It is satisfying to created a piece that I can use in my everyday life.

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What do you think sets your designs apart from others?

Everything one makes is an extension of one’s self. Colors, patterns, textures, and forms that I see all around me are inspiration. My interpretation of that will naturally comes out in the work. It’s the bold patterns and fun colors that set my work apart.

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Have you had any major failures? If so, what were some important insights gained?

When I started my business I felt very much in the dark, and believe me, there are still many days like that now. It’s the challenge that keeps me going and I truly believe one has to learn from their mistakes, big or small. I’m constantly reevaluating how I run my business. Every year I try a few new things and see how it goes. 

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What valuable experience/knowledge did you have before starting your business?

That valuable experience and knowledge that I brought to my business was my knowledge of the material.  All the past years I’ve spent working in a variety of office administrative jobs has helped with the business side of things too, but mostly I’ve had to teach my self.

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What made you take this leap into being your own boss?

I never felt I had a good grasp on what it was that I wanted to do for a career. I always leaned towards artistic and creative studies and hobbies. After and few years of bouncing around I ended up studying to get my BFA in ceramics in Boulder, CO. After graduation I moved around and did different things, never knowing how to make ceramics my life but keeping it by my side. It seemed impossible and far from reality to make a living from it with the student loan debt that I took on. When I grew more confident with my work I started to see it as a possibility and took baby steps to get my work out there. While working full time and making ceramics during all my non-sleeping hours I started selling at shows and online. Sales and exposure started snowballing and I cut back to part time work to eventually quitting my day job. Now I work with clay full time and couldn’t be any happier being my own boss.

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What are some tips or suggestions you’d like to offer to fellow makers?

Work hard and love what you do.

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From the shapes to the inky black brushstrokes, everything about Elizabeth Benotti’s work is just perfect! Mark your calendars, November 14+15 is when our New York Holiday Fair comes into town. In the meantime, find Elizabeth Benotti online here:

Website

Instagram