We were lucky to catch up with Callie Luhrman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Callie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I have been interested in everything arts and crafts related, and from a young age I was very fortunate to have parents that encouraged me to explore my creativity. My family is very creative, so I learned about drawing and seeing the world through an artistic lens. My grandmother, Imogene Luhrman, is an extremely talented, professional artist, who taught me how to China paint and watercolor paint. My dad is a woodworker, and general handyman who instilled in me the desire to understand how things work. My mom is a gifted quilter, painter, and craftswoman and was always enabling me to follow my interests. I was also fortunate enough to take some classes with a handful of artists as I was growing up. In high school, the days of blogs were here, and I was able to learn a lot from blogs and posts on Flickr. Then I was able to practice drawing and make fiber creations! I was really into making dolls at the time. I also began selling my creations to teachers and some of my classmates. I was able to keep leaning into that when I went to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), and decided ceramics was a great fit to study. After I graduated from UTSA, I was able to keep taking classes at the UTSA Southwest Campus (previously called the Southwest School of Arts) and take community classes to learn with many local talented artists.

Today, I work at a studio where I feel able to thrive at Millard Street with Diana Kersey. As an adult, the biggest obstacle I face is making time to be creative.

It doesn’t always feel like it is the most important thing to prioritize, but it really is.The benefit of learning in the age of the Internet is that so many things can be learned from YouTube or other online platforms like Skillshare or Domestika. My advice for other artists just beginning is to just start. Don’t wait for the perfect tools or conditions, just begin! Often, I hear folks say that they couldn’t be an artist or that they don’t have a creative bone in their body, but all it takes is practice and a willingness to try and learn. Letting yourself fail is also a part of the journey.

Callie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an artist based in San Antonio, Texas. In 2014, I graduated with my Bachelors of Fine Arts from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a specialty in ceramics. I am a member of the Millard Street Artists group founded by Diana Kersey, an artisan pottery community.

I recently exhibited her artwork at Koelsch Gallery in Houston, Texas alongside artist W. Tucker. In addition, my work has been featured in Texas Monthly, San Antonio Magazine, and VoyageSanAntonio. Local works available for purchase through Mockingbird Handprints in San Antonio and Curator Coffee.

I make bright hand-built and wheel thrown pottery with illustrations using a technique called scraffito. My illustrations are made with watercolor and other mixed media, and usually feature happy scenes. I am inspired by children’s books, vintage illustrations, fabric, and folk art. My work usually features a narrative!

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

There are so many rewards of living a creative life and being an artist. It is something I can always learn, grow with, and be inspired by. It has helped me gain confidence in my life and find joy in connecting with others. It has helped me find a community and to make friends. It is so rewarding to have someone connect with my pieces. Art is for everyone and can benefit from a creative hobby in their life! I make work that uses bright vibrant colors and happy animals or people with repetitive patterns and dots!

I am proud of myself for continuing on with making work even through the challenges of life. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression, art helps me to stay positive, gives me something to look forward to. I love to make and I hope others can see that.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I am driven by the desire to create work that makes others happy, like it does for me. If I can bring joy to someone who is struggling, that makes me so happy! I often like to include words of encouraging text for this reason. For example, “Don’t give up,” and “It’s ok,” “You can do it,” or “What joy”. I find comfort in these phrases.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.callieluhrman.com
• Instagram: @callieluhrman
• TikTok: @callieluhrman

Image Credits
Callie Luhrman