We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Allie Reece. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Allie below.
Allie, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I grew up making pieces out of model magic and fell in love with sculpting at a young age. When I got to high school, I immediately signed up for a ceramics class and I got so lucky to have the best teacher I could have possibly had for those classes. After taking ceramics one, Mr Waggle pulled me aside and said that I should sign up for advanced 3d sculpture rather than ceramics two. I went from a prerequisite to an ap ceramic course in just one semester. I knew I was good; I always finished my pieces days before other students and would make side projects to pass the time. But what he saw in me really propelled my curiosity to new heights. I went on after the ap course to taking independent study courses every semester after that until I graduated. Mr Waggle believed in me like no other teacher ever had. After I completed my junior year in high school, I was enjoying a vacation with my family when I got a call that Waggle had a heart attack and passed away. At 44. I was broken, and didn’t know how to return back to the classroom after that, not thinking I could bare it without the support of him. One of the other art teachers, Mr Johnson, took me under his wing and continued the independent studies the rest of my HS experience. I was able to get back on my feet and end the year strong, when I got an invite to the senior academic awards following graduation. I wasn’t particularly brilliant in any other subject, so I knew it must be for art. But at the ceremony after my name wasn’t called for all of the art awards, I sat confused wondering what I was there for. Just then, Mr Johnson got back up and announced that they created a new award, the “Tom Waggle Ceramic Excellence” award, and I was the first recipient. I walked go the podium, shook his hand- sobbing!- and then got to meet Waggles family, his mom and daughter. When his daughter told me she heard him talk about how he thought I’d do great things one day I absolutely lost it and realized I needed to pursue ceramics. I got my BFA in Ceramics and Printmaking, and have put in full time work since creating my own home studio.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Allie, a mom of two incredible kids. A ceramic artist, an Owner and Curator of art for the Gallery Pub in St Louis, and wife to my amazing husband. I create commission work of all kind, and have been working hard this last year to put on a home art show with my friend Kalika where I displayed over 80 mugs and transformed the space into the “Garden Art Party” which we will host annually. I focus on making work to make people smile. My brand is “just be fuckin nice” and I unapologetically stand by it.
I’m most proud of how much I’ve been able to accomplish on my own. I’ve never had the desire to join a community studio so it was a big goal and challenge for me to acquire what I needed for a home studio. Finding the time to continue to do what I absolutely love isn’t always easy, especially with the kids, but I can’t wait until they are old enough to enjoy my craft with me and hope they’ll see what can be attainable when you truly put your whole heart into something.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
When I spend time making “just because” pieces, which to me are pieces I want to create for the sake of desire, experimentation, fun, whatever, and I find someone who wants to own that piece, I find a lot of thrill in that. It’s one thing to give it your all with commissions, and I will always love making them, but when a piece just comes from my own heart and the love for it is reflected within someone else, I have the most joy and feel like I’m accomplishing so much then.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I left college with my BFA in Ceramics and Printmaking and did absolutely nothing with my degree for years. I would pick up side projects here and there, but I had no active goals when it came to propelling the art career I wanted. After covid hit, I pivoted and decided to reach out to a performing arts center that was in the works next to my home. I told the general manager I wanted to paint a mural in one of the rooms and that I would come up with a design within a week that he couldn’t turn down. Not only did I go on to paint that mural and a handful more, but the GM offer me a job as their Art Curator. I had no experience in curating, but his belief in me reminded me so much of my high school ceramics teacher so I ran with the opportunity and honed in my skills while I was there. I was instantly propelled back into the world of art and art making and desperately needed to finish my home ceramic studio. I now own a bar/restaurant with my family and curate the artwork, switching shows every 2-3 months, and have the time in between to work on pottery and raise my children. Reaching out to the Performing Arts Center changed my trajectory and I am so thankful I took that leap.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Justbefknnice.Com
- Instagram: Algantart
- Linkedin: Allie Reece
Image Credits
Mia Bella photography