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Rachael Kroeker | Episode 1047
Rachael Kroeker is a full time ceramic artist based in Winnipeg, Mb, Canada where she has been creating tableware for over 13 years. Rachael specializes in slip casting and mold making. Along with creating her signature style of marbled pottery, Rachael explores bold colour and pattern combinations. With a modern, contemporary feel and exquisite craftsmanship, Rachael’s pieces are designed to beautify life, and enrich daily routines.
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Do you find yourself to be more creative at different times of the day?
Yeah I do, I think late morning to early afternoon is when I find is my peak creativity. I get up early because my partner gets up early, but I need several hours to actually function. So mid day I guess.
Are there times of the day that are better for getting work done, the workhorse work?
I guess when it’s crunch time and it’s 1 or 2 pm and I don’t want to work until 8 so I just powerhouse through and check things off my list. But to be honest I am kind of…not a slow poke…but I am a medium speed worker.
Some people have said that slip casting isn’t real ceramics. What is your response to that?
Eye roll. (laughter) Thanks, Paul. There’s just a huge design process with slip casting so I think it’s an uneducated comment. You need to design a model, make a plaster mold, and then make a piece. And it needs to be thought out and well designed otherwise you are starting right back at square one.
Do you ever do seconds sales? And how to do you determine what is a second?
I do do second sales for a variety of reasons. Just to reduce my environmental impact and reducing waste. So I think it’s really important. I just can’t smash functional pieces that can still be used but are imperfect. If something had a warped rim I would consider it a second, a small hairline crack underneath a handle attachment or something. No cracks that are actually going to leak or no longer be functional. That’s for the trash bin. Kind of a glaze blip or a marble that I am not wild about.
What does a balanced life for a maker look like in your eyes?
In my eyes, enough time to do your yoga or your workout, moving your body three to four times a week. Enough time to make quality home cooked meals. Enough time to go to the garden and go hiking and get outside and be with your friends and family for important occasions. And still have a thriving pottery or ceramic practice. It’s taken me many years to figure out that important balance and in the beginning you do need to work extra hard when starting a new business.
Book
The Essential Guide to Mold Making by Andrew Martin
The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson
Contact
Instagram: @rachaelkroekerceramics
