Meet Emily Garcia | Ceramicist & Graphic Design

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
When people discover I’m a ceramicist, they’re often curious about my creations. I describe them as “quirky cat-themed pieces.” At first, I questioned if I should be crafting more “serious” work. I would ask myself, “did I really get an art degree to make THIS? Should I be making something with more meaning or purpose?” However, as I displayed my pieces at art shows and markets, I paid attention to the way that people interacted with my art. They would run up to my artwork and exclaim over a piece, or pick something up and clutch it to their chest in joy. It’s the same way that I feel about the pieces that I love: the little fox hanging in my hallway, the cat figurine on my kitchen windowsill, or the mug that makes me smile every morning. These small things fill my day with little moments of happiness, and it has made me realize that my primary desire as an artist is to spread this joy. It’s what compels me to create, and it’s why I chose to pursue art in the first place. In a world with its fair share of challenges, I have the opportunity to create something that offers consistent moments of joy. I can’t think of a more meaningful career than that.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always been a creative person; it’s why I got my Bachelor’s in Graphic Design. I love working with my hands, and when the opportunity came for me to buy a kiln, I jumped all in. It was not easy; I started with zero knowledge and an overabundance of determination. There was a lot of research, self-teaching, and trial and error. I’m so proud of where I am today, and I’m always pushing for more.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Frederick Meijer Gardens Dinner at Poquito in Holland or San Chez A Tapas Bistro in GR
Picking whatever fruit is in season
Visit Lake Michigan
Fulton Farmers Market events
Furniture City Ice cream and East GR
In summer, river tubing
In fall, corn maze
In winter, snow tubing

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband has always been my biggest supporter. He is my hero and is always saving the day. He has never complained –– not when we had to drive 4 hours to pick up a kiln and then haul it into the basement, or when he had to learn how to wire and vent that kiln by himself because it’s was over my head. He is at every market he can attend, and sells with me rain or shine.

My parents have also been incredibly supportive of my career, jumping in whenever my husband has drill weekends. My mom loads, hauls, unloads, and sells with me no matter the weather. I couldn’t do all this without my family!

Website: https://retrorosedesigns.square.site/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrorosedesigns/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RetroRoseDesigns/