Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Danielle Burrows. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Danielle, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I knew I wanted to be an artist in high school. It was never really something that was brought up as an option when discussing my future but I knew that I needed to do something creative. I started my college journey as an Art Education student and quickly switched to Ceramics where I was able to dedicate most of my days in the studio making art. My undergrad time was very difficult and time consuming with the required studio time, but I was so happy being able to fully dedicate myself to my work.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I took my first ceramics class in high school where I instantly fell in love with the craft. I have ADHD, so staying focused on something long enough to finish it has always been a struggle. Wheel throwing was the only thing I could do for hours and hours and never lost interest or focus. It’s so mesmerizing and was truly a euphoric moment my first time at the wheel. After finishing my college experience in the Ceramics and Art Education programs, I went into teaching in a school setting right away and quickly realized it wasn’t a sustainable lifestyle for myself. There is absolutely no support for educators in schools and I wasn’t able to balance the high demand of teaching prep with my need to continue making art. I ended up leaving my teaching job and started making ceramics and teaching pottery classes at my studio full time. My business, Eucalyptus and Company. quickly came to fruition after that. I sell pottery at different markets in the Milwaukee area as well as make wedding and event florals. I make small batch wheel thrown and handbuilt pottery. My work is heavily inspired by the natural world, animals, and floral prints, which I recreate through different glaze combinations and finishes. My productus range from mugs, bowls, colanders, plates & platters, vases, planters, soap & oil dispensers, earrings, and magnets. The functional products are all food, microwave, and dishwasher safe.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I do everything for my son Coyote. He just turned one and is my entire world. He is the reason I keep pushing through the hard slower times where I get frustrated or start to forget my reason for continuing. His fun joyful spirit also inspires me to stay in in a similar mindset as his- finding the joy in little things and always staying positive.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Being an artist means so much to me. I’m able to create pieces of work that people bring into their homes and use everyday in a very intimate settings. Drinking coffee or tea out of a mug is a daily ritual for most people and being able to provide a vessel for someone to experience a refreshing moment is very unique and special. Seeing people’s face when they open a commissioned ceramic piece or seeing their wedding florals for the first time is one of my favorite things. Bringing people’s visions and dreams to life can be a daunting task but always works out in the end and is so rewarding!

Contact Info:

• Website: eucalyptusandcompany.com
• Instagram: @eucalyptus__co (2 underscores)