Inspired by her studies in Native American culture, nature worship and earth religions, ceramics artist Erin Kay Spangler’s stunning pottery evokes a quality straight from Mother Nature. Working out of her studio barn, hand built by her husband Brandon, she freehand carves every piece without the use of templates.
As Spangler puts it, her pieces are an “extension of [her] way of life”— a life immersed in rural ethos, connected to wildlife, surrounded by a multitude of animals on her family’s land in rural North Georgia. Hailing from Kennesaw State University with a BFA in both Ceramics and Photography, Spangler dove head first into her now four-year-old pottery business after graduation.
When she isn’t throwing on the wheel, you can find her exploring national parks or kayaking with her young daughter and metal-working husband (who shares a studio space in the same barn) soaking in inspiration for her new projects.
Here, CommonCreativ talks to Spangler about what inspires her, her metal/ceramic collaborations with her husband and her adorable shop dog.
CommonCreativ: How did you get into ceramics?
Erin Kay Spangler: I experimented with throwing on the wheel during high school a bit and always enjoyed it. While at KSU taking my core art classes in pursuit of a degree in photography, I took a ceramics course. After my first couple weeks on the wheel I was hooked; enough so that I decided to stay at KSU an extra year to receive a concentration in not just photography but ceramics as well.
CC: What inspires your pottery designs?
EKS: My designs are inspired from nature worship and earth religions/cultures from all over the world. If you look closely at my work you will see earth signs (earth, fire, wind, water) throughout my pieces. I am heavily inspired by Mandalas and the unity that radiates from each one.
CC: What are some of your favorite items to make?
EKS: My large star plates with scalloped edges. They give me a chance to showcase my take on a Mandala with multiple designs.
CC: How do you promote yourself? What tips do you have for people and small businesses in a niche market such as yours for doing the same?
EKS: I use social media as a means to promote myself. It’s a great way to reach people locally, nationally and even internationally. It’s also important to find out a way to set yourself apart from others in your field and promote that.
CC: Do you have any new projects in the works?
EKS: I seem to always have new ideas and projects in the works. I am currently working on a couple new pieces I plan on debuting at the American Craft Council Show Atlanta in March of this year.
CC: Where can your fans buy your art? Do you have any upcoming events?
EKS: Locally my pieces are being sold at Mudfire Gallery in Decatur, 2 Rules Art Gallery in Marietta, Gifted Boutique in Roswell, and my Etsy store. During the spring, I plan on being at the several shows in Atlanta: American Craft Council Atlanta, Inman Park Festival and the Decatur Arts Festival.
CC: Are there any local artists you’d want to collaborate with?
EKS: I’m currently working with my husband on a couple metal ceramic collaborations. I have also begun talking to a very talented glass artist out of Los Angeles, Debbie Bean, about a collaboration with glass and ceramic.
CC: Tell me about this adorable shop dog!
EKS: Our home has always been a place animals feel comfortable, which is why we believe we have several strays arrive here each year. Our latest stray is a young pup who arrived on January 4th, the first full moon of the year, referred to as the “Full Wolf Moon,” and hence, she was given the name “Luna.” It was a beautiful day outside so I left my doors open, which gave me a nice view of the horses and goats down in the pasture. She looked malnourished and a little mangy. As we often do, we took her in and set out to find her owners. She was very young, with floppy ears and clumsy legs, but very well mannered. Three weeks later with no word from her original owners, we have decided to keep her. I am happy to report that our dogs love her, and she is a happy, healthy, 25 lbs., 10-week-old puppy.
CC: What are some of your favorite spots in or around Atlanta?
EKS: Two of my favorite galleries in Atlanta are Whitespace Gallery on Edgewood and Mudfire in Decatur. Both gallery settings and shows are always amazing. My favorite boutique to visit is Young Blood, I always find sweet buys in there. Eating at Daddy D’z is a treat, and we enjoy La Fonda on Ponce as well.
CC: What are some of your favorite projects and who are some of your favorite artists in Atlanta?
EKS: I have been following Peter Ferrari‘s work for a while. I totally love the flow of each piece and really enjoy his large murals. Other Atlanta artists that I admire are Matt Haffner (mixed media), Mark Knot (ceramic), and Lora Rust (ceramic).
CC: What do you think of Atlanta’s creative scene right now?
I am really enjoying this DIY/take-charge/underground art scene. I am all about artists getting out and making things happen. I am really looking forward to RAW coming to Atlanta this year—I’m excited to see a multitude of artists coming together to create a new showcase for Atlanta.
You can see more of Erin Kay Spangler’s work on her site.
