Liz Cohen Ceramics
Denver, Colorado
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:
Liz
Coverphoto by: Antonia Pappas
I've had a love for art for as long as I can remember, and there was never a point in my life when I wasn't creating something on some level. I took my first clay class in 2010 while in school at Georgia State University in Atlanta. It was then that something in me just clicked, and I realized what I was missing in my life! It was everything I loved about art and creating, wrapped up in one medium. I knew then that working in ceramics was something I was going to do for the rest of my life. After graduating with a BA in Studio Art I move to Denver and worked a handful of part-time jobs in the ceramics field (teaching at rec centers, being a ceramic studio tech) while working full-time in various other positions. I never stopped making my own work though, and I would sell to random people here and there, through Etsy or at local art festivals. I'm still not working in clay full-time (yet), but I will tell you that almost all of my spare time is spent working out of my home studio trying to grow a small-batch ceramics business. I enjoy making anything really, but for the most part I make functional pottery for the home. I especially love making pots for plants!
What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?
I'm constantly trying to figure out my "signature" style. I think it is an ever evolving thing, especially since I enjoy trying new things and challenging myself. Lately I've been inspired by retro color schemes and simple geometric patterns. I work with a dark brown stoneware which acts as the background for the colors, so they really pop and stand out. If I had to choose one piece to be a signature item, it would be what I've been calling the Retro Color Mugs. I got a lot of positive responses when I started making them which was great because I think they're fun to make and fun to use. Everyone loves a good mug!
What makes your business unique to the industry?
In the world of functional ceramics I feel as though it's hard to stand out completely. There are so many people that enjoy making pottery even if it's just for a hobby. Even so, my work is truly unique and designed by me. I'm the only person involved in the entire making process. I mix most of my glazes by hand from recipes I've tested and tweaked. Most importantly I pay a tremendous amount of attention to detail while still maintaining a hand-made quality, and I like to think all of that stands out when others are able to pick up and hold my work. I also feel strongly about making my work affordable for the average budget.
What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?
I, myself have been my biggest roadblock! I tend to be hard on myself and get analysis paralysis. I'm always trying to make everything perfect before taking steps forward and putting my work out into the world. It's still a constant struggle to get past all of that, but there are a few things I've incorporated in my studio practice that help. I set very small, reasonable goals so I don't get down on myself for not accomplishing a ton of work in a short amount of time. I've learned the hard way when to set boundaries and realize when I need to say no to something (or yes). I check myself when I start comparing myself to others. I'm constantly reminding myself to just put my work out there and "not let perfect be the enemy of good". The biggest thing I try to focus on though is being kind to myself and encouraging myself to enjoy this journey. Ultimately I'm the only one who will define success for myself, and for me success is constant progress and having the privilege to do something I love every day.
How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?
I consider myself extremely fortunate in that I haven't had to make too many changes in order to keep going at the pace I was at prior to the pandemic. I'm growing my business part-time outside of my full-time job, which was already a remote position. I have tried really hard to view the lack of social responsibilities (a.k.a more "free" time) as a positive thing. I'm just trying to take advantage of the time I have and really ramp up my online presence, get in more studio time, and plan/prepare for the future of Liz Cohen Ceramics when COVID-19 is no longer a threat to the world.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
Any time I'm able to take the ideas in my head and make them into a tangible, functional object I'm over the moon! There's nothing like unloading a kiln full of treasures that have only been an idea in my head or a sketch on paper prior to that moment.
What is your *must do* local activity?
I love walking around the RINO arts district, grabbing beers at some of the many local breweries we have, and enjoying practically any kind of food as long as it's on a patio or a picnic at a park. Denver (and all of Colorado) has amazing weather, so restaurant patios and parks are everywhere. If I'm outdoors I'm pretty happy!
Where to find Liz Cohen Ceramics
Website: www.lizcohenceramics.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizcohenceramics/