Emily: After living in in Southern Spain, I fell in love with the people there, who live life at a slower pace and really appreciate the important things, like spending quality time with each other and embracing their country's traditions. I hoped that if I shared their work with people back home, maybe our country would learn to slow down a bit and appreciate life's little pleasures.
I am fascinated by both the similarities in pieces from one country to the next each and the way each culture put it's own spin on the technique. And today, artists continue to interpret the traditional craft and add their own fresh, modern style to it. I love how ceramic art combines function with beauty -- enabling it to tell so much about where it comes from. I am always looking for new artists and am very open to exploring new countries in the future.
The Eagle's Nest: What do you look for in the pieces that you source?
Emily: My mom is my best customer, so one of the first questions I ask myself is "would mom buy this?" She is an artist and loves being able to use ceramic artwork everyday, so it's a good guideline, forcing me to be sure a piece is both beautiful and functional. And those are the best sellers -- the plates that make everyday meals more festive; the colorful bowl that looks great on display and when filled with salad; the footed platter that makes a stand alone statement, but doubles as a fun way to serve breakfast pastries or dessert.
I also love buying pieces that are specific to their culture. For instance, the Mexican Tibor (ginger jar) is a household standard throughout Mexico. And I recently bought some funky French pitchers that exude Provencial charm. These pieces work because people like incorporating the relaxed Mexican or French country look in their homes.
TEN: What would you say is the most rewarding aspect of your job?Emily: Meeting and getting to know the artists. I love to travel, but it is so much more fun when you have an object in mind. No matter where I am, I talk to locals about the art in their town... getting their personal opinions on the best ceramics and the best artists in the area. I always learn something new and usually find myself pointed in the direction of an amazing artist or family of artists.
Thanks Emily! Emilia Ceramics has been kind enough to do a Giveaway with the Eagle's Nest of this beautiful Blue Simple Striped Vase. Perfect for a cluster of daffodils, daisies or even as a pencil holder on your desk.
You know the drill.
- Check out Emilia Ceramics' website and comment back with what your favorite item is.
- Must be a follwer of The Eagle's Nest
- Additional entries for following Nest Studio on facebook.
- Giveaway closes on Saturday April 16 at 5pm (something to look forward to after handing in your taxes!)
Awesome!! I love the Blue ZigZag Tibor Talavera Vázquez, it would go well in my new (blue!) master!
ReplyDeleteI'm a GFC follower! I checked out the website and I adore the Blue Bird Bowl! http://www.emiliaceramics.com/shop/index.php?sort=2a&cPath=23_26&page=2
ReplyDeletevandango33 at gmail dot com
I'm following Nest Studio on FB (Elisabeth G)
ReplyDeletevandango33 at gmail dot com
I like the French Country collection...favorites are the pitcher and the blue/green bird bowl. -- Sarah Pease D.
ReplyDeleteOh, wow, way too hard to pick a favorite, but I love all the platters with the lemons.
ReplyDeleteyes love them all, so exuberant. the "utensili" jar is fab, but the long cucumber and butter yellow platter may be just what my dining table has been lacking for so long!
ReplyDeletefollowing from sunset jct! xo! c.
Oh..I am loving the Las Olas Lamp. The black zig zag lamp and the burnt orange zig zag lamp are gorgeous too!
ReplyDeleteJessie
I love ALL of the zig zag ceramics!!
ReplyDeleteWish I would have known about her website when I was registering for our wedding, she has a registry option! Although, it's not too late I guess. I will definitely register for the blue+white zig zag vase...
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff, so unique! I really love the yellow petal platter.
ReplyDeleteI love anything with the zig zag pattern, jar style, so pretty!!!!
ReplyDeletesimplysara83@gmail.com
I am a follower of your blog!!
ReplyDeletesimplysara83@gmail.com
I am a fan of your on Facebook too!!!
ReplyDeleteSara Haga Gore
simplysara83@gmail.com
You know how I love blue and white. My favorites are the Talavera Vazquez small Paloma Tibor and lamp.
ReplyDeleteCheryl
I love the Black ZigZag Tibor - Large.
ReplyDelete- Danielle
other-option AT hotmail DOT com
I love that she looks at things through the lens of what her Mom would like. Also, it was cool to read about the different cultures.
ReplyDelete