We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carly Graceffa. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carly below.
Alright, Carly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
Overall, I would say I’m extremely happy as an artist and creating art. I can’t imagine my life without being creative and having the arts in my life, whether that be as an artist, art educator, or art enthusiast. As everyone though with everything you do, there are days that I feel discouraged about my creating and question if this path is the “right” one I’m on. I think mainly that’s because there are days I’m torn between creating pieces for others to enjoy and use, versus me creating pieces that hold deep meaning and are made for galleries, shows, etc. I also think the concept of social media is a struggle for myself with my art, because I’m not super confident and motivated to create/post content and to promote myself/my brand.
The funny thing is, I have had a “regular” job the entire time I have pursued my art, which has actually been the battle for me. Having a regular job is great in the sense of job security, insurance, set schedules, but sometimes it’s difficult when it isn’t your true dream/goal. However for me, something I am currently battling is how to take that leap of making being an artist my full-time job and getting those things that I want and dream of for myself as an artist and business owner. That’s something right now I am still trying to figure out, I think the important part to remember is that taking the small steps count. I think in order for you to be successful you have to 1. believe in yourself 2. have motivation and trust in yourself 3. take that leap with everything you have, because if you second guess, then it won’t work out.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Carly, a ceramics artist, business owner, and teacher! I’m owner and creator of Arch & Opal, where I create functional ceramic ware that signifies a relationship between the object, and the beholder. With each piece I create, my goal is to turn everyday experiences into something special and personal for every person.
My journey with clay began in early high school, but my love for getting my hands dirty traces back to my childhood explorations of making mud pies in my backyard and constantly wanting to play with arts and crafts. I took my first ceramics class in my freshman year of high school, and I literally never stopped! I decided to major in the arts at a university level (rock chalk!) and become an art teacher, with a studio emphasis in ceramics! I then taught high school ceramics for a few years, which was a full circle moment for me, and I loved educating the youth on the arts, and creating with them! Fast forward to today, I decided to take a (small) leap of faith, and move towards focusing on my art on a professional level, while still teaching at a ceramics studio! There is definitely more than I would like to accomplish, and those are in the works! As I work toward a big goal of mine, to build a ceramics studio and community of my own, I plan to push myself with my art making to create things for others to enjoy!
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
For me, I have quite a few goals for myself and my business, which is driving my creative journey! The biggest longterm goal I have is to open my own ceramics studio, and to build a community for creatives and likeminded individuals to have a space! This has been a goal of mine for a while, as I’d love to have my own space, but also for others to learn and create! Another goal of mine, that has been in my mind for a while, but recently with some changes in my life has driven me more with my art, is to really promote and share my art with others. To create things that I am proud of sharing and want others to see!
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Supporting artists and fostering a thriving creative ecosystem requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses economic, social, and institutional challenges. Here are some of the most important ways that society can best support artists and creative communities in my opinion!
1. Economic Support through grants and fellowships, along with scholarships to give artists financial stability. Offering tax relief incentives for artists, along with affordable housing/studio opportunities.
2. Visibility and Exposure by providing public and private spaces where artists can showcase their work. Encourage the development of public art installations and street art, which bring art to everyday spaces and elevate the visibility of local talent. Social Media & Digital Platforms: Governments, cultural organizations, and tech companies can offer workshops and resources to help artists build an online presence to reach global audiences.
3. Education and Skill Development by creating education programs that are accessible at all levels, while offering ongoing workshops and masterclasses for professional development. Facilitate mentorships and artist residencies that help young or emerging artists learn from experienced professionals. Offer workshops or courses that teach artists practical skills like marketing, financial management, intellectual property rights, and legal frameworks.
4. Government Support for the Arts by advocating for increased government funding for the arts and culture sector, including grants, cultural heritage preservation, and financial backing for public institutions like museums and theaters. Along with supporting museums, galleries, libraries, and cultural centers that nurture creative communities and provide a platform for artists to display their work.
5. Artist-Community Collaborations through promoting initiatives that foster collaboration between artists and local communities, such as mural projects, collaborative public art, or community performances. This enhances public engagement with the arts. Support local art by encouraging people to buy art, attend performances, and engage with local artists. Hosting art fairs, pop-ups, or creative markets can give artists direct access to local consumers.
6. Community involvement and engagement through active participation. Whether that’s attending a gallery opening, a market event, purchasing from an artist, even simply sharing on social media or when talking in conversation. I think there is more power in social media than we understand and conversation, so simply talking about artists and creatives and promoting them, can go a long way! I also think a great way to support artists and creatives is through interactions too! Commenting on artists social media posts and their works, and also through in person interactions! Telling a creative you like their work, enjoy seeing what they create, engaging in conversations about the arts with creatives can immensely show their support!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.archandopal.com
- Instagram: archandopal
- Facebook: Arch & Opal
- Other: Tik Tok : claygirlcarly
