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

Alright, Susan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I was encouraged to draw, make things and play make believe as a child. Growing up, I can’t remember a single day that I didn’t draw or build some sort of toy with my father, albeit out of cardboard and newspaper. I began drawing and keeping a sketch book around 3 or 4 years old and loved nothing more. At age 8 I told my parents I wanted to got to art school to become a “commercial artist.” Well, I ended up going to art school, so I suppose I knew my path early on.

It was at the Cleveland Institute of Art where I met my business partner and husband Adam Holtzinger. He studied glass, and I studied graphic design. After graduation in 2003, we moved to NYC together and began working in our respective fields.

It wasn’t until 2013 that I began to collaborate with Adam in glass. Having watched the process for so many years, it was inevitable that I would eventually fall in love with the material. Collaborating in this medium brought me back to what I had missed for so many years – working with my hands.

Our collaborations ultimately led to launching our own line of hand blown glass lighting and objects.

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

I founded KEEP hand blown lighting and objects with my partner Adam Holtzinger in 2015. Adam had been producing glass for more than a decade for designers, architects and artists. We knew that we wanted to continue working with these other creatives, while producing our own line of handmade glass.

We pride ourselves on our craftsmanship and ability to produce glass for some of the world’s most creative minds. Since we are a small artisan studio, we have the ability to fabricate one-off art pieces as well as production-scale lighting and tabletop work. Our highly-skilled team of glassmakers have decades of combined experience in producing glass.

One of our core values at Keep is the practice of sharing our craft and knowledge of the material. It’s important to us to keep the handmade tradition alive. We do this not only through fabricating for other creatives, but also through teaching several times each year at various art schools and craft organizations. Through teaching, demonstrating glassblowing and giving lectures, we are able to share our knowledge and passion for glass with others.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

The best thing society can do to support artists and creatives is to make donations to non-profit art organizations. If you’re unable to afford artwork or purchasing wares from an independent maker, a small gift to an arts organization is a way to offer support. Many artists and makers rely on these organizations for resources such as grant money, residencies and/or studio space.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There are many rewarding aspects of being an artist/creative.

First and foremost, it’s extremely satisfying to bring someone’s idea to fruition. Since most of what we make is utilitarian, it’s gratifying to know we are making objects that enrich the lives of others.

Another aspect we find rewarding is having the ability to inspire and to constantly be inspired. Working in this field means we’re surrounded by so many incredibly creative and skilled individuals. We are truly lucky to be part of a such a vibrant community of makers and thinkers!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.keepbrooklyn.com
• Instagram: @keepbrooklyn