Jul 13, 2015 8 Questions with: Erica Recto
When I first met Erica Recto, she was working as an accessories designer at a big company. She is one of those creative types that is always creating and doing amazing things, and you wonder “why they don’t do their own thing.” Well now Erica is the owner of Amelia Brooklyn and is teaching and creating hands-on goods to share with all. She took some time away from creating to answer our questions. Be sure to check out her shop at ameliabk.bigcartel.com and follow her on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook.
What does a typical day look like for you?
The day usually starts with taking my dog Betty for a walk, sharing a morning tea/coffee with my husband, prioritizing my to do list, and slowly making it into my studio around 11, where I spend 8 hours making messes – think ceramics / fiber / dye / shoes!
What are you currently working on?
Right now I’m working on a collection that I’ll be showing at a few Fall markets, and hopefully some shops. The collection is a mix of ceramics and other mediums, as well DIY craft kits. I’m also writing up lesson plans for a few workshops that I’ll be offering later this Summer.
Where do you find inspiration?
I’m actually a big history nerd. I love reading about how things were made back in the day – old techniques that were replaced by technology. I’m all about doing things the hard way, and getting super inspired by process. I love going down the rabbit-hole while researching historic methods of creating things. There was so much more ceremony in the way things were made pre industrial revolution, and you can see it in the quality of objects from that time – hand making takes time – and all of that intention is so evident in older objects.
What’s your biggest hurdle you faced starting your business?
I think the biggest hurdle when starting my business was just trying to understand how I fit into a very competitive marketplace – what makes me unique. Not being a classic potter I try to integrate multiple disciplines into my work – fibers, textiles, ceramics, as well as instruction. It took a while to define “what I do” and then explain that to people – it was difficult in the beginning. But realizing and becoming comfortable with the fact that I don’t fit into one bucket has made all the difference in my business.
If you could collaborate with someone on a project, who or what would it be?
I would love to work with a dancer on a movement piece. Lately I’ve been so intrigued by the sound of ceramics. (Probably stemming from dropping too many pieces in the studio- ha!) But it has gotten me dreaming of creating a ceramic tiled costume. Imagine a choreographed performance with the ringing of chimes and ceramic bells. Art as experience is becoming important to my work – something people get to interact with.
What’s your favorite way of unwinding from work?
Lately I unwind with meditation – about 30 minutes a day – when I get home from the studio. It really helps to clear my head and ground me for what’s next. And those days when I don’t meditate… I like to relax with a deep glass of ice cold rosé.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grow up?
When I was little I thought I’d be an astronaut, artist, and gymnast. One outta three ain’t bad!
If you could give some advice to your teenage self, what would it be?
Embrace your individuality.