Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Chase.

Hi Renee, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

I was a fashion designer and teacher all of my life. I was born to use my hands and the creative process fed me through the years. I had been the Director of the Fashion Design Program at Drexel for many years and decided to give up my myriad administrative responsibilities and step down so that I could delve deeper into the creative world. I had always wanted to try my hand at clay so I signed up for a class.

As I sat in front of a potters wheel, I felt a deep sense of frustration and demoralization about the fact that I couldn’t turn clay to save my life! Maybe hand building would be better?? But what could I make? The answer was clear —- Dresses! That’s what I knew. I could transfer my skills in pattern making and draping from fabric to clay. And so the name Cloth to Clay was born.

I practiced incessantly and made many clay dresses. My niece was getting married and I was struck with the idea of making a replica of her wedding dress for her. It was such a wonderful, emotional gift. So many people loved it and thus the journey began.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

The road is never smooth. I started doing craft shows around the country. The physical labor in preparation and presentation of these mini-stores is physically exhausting. Not to mention, the challenge of sitting in a booth for hours and hours, day after day. But the hardest part is moving the fragile clay works from place to place. (We haven’t even mentioned how many sculptures crack in the kiln or are broken by strong winds in an outdoor booth!)

My most awful memory took place at a museum show in Brooklyn where a woman wearing a back pack turned and knocked down a life sized sculpture which caused a domino effect in my booth and twenty pieces crashed loudly to the ground. I’ll never forget the janitor running up to my booth with a broom and and trash can to scoop up the shards.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

My specialty is creating replicas of wedding dresses. To my knowledge, no one else creates a product like mine. I think this is because I possess a unique combination of skills as a Fashion Designer and Potter. I experience enormous satisfaction when I see a bride overjoyed by the work I have done for her. It is truly a labor of love!

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?

On Sundays my Dad closed his grocery store early. The five of us in the family got all dressed up and drove to my Aunt’s house an hour away. She would prepare a big meal for us and then the younger kids went off to play while I sat with the adults and listened to grown up conversation. It made me feel very special!

Pricing:

• Price is based on how complicated the sculpture is.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cloth2clay.com
• Instagram: @Reneeweisschase
• Facebook: Cloth2Clay
• Youtube: https://vimeo.com/user7610511/review/601969644/fd06221a0d