As Seen On : Shana Holub
Shana, you are one of the founding members of Close Quarters Collective in Rockport, Massachusetts. The structure and business set up of CQC is a unique one: four friends who are each makers and artisans themselves, owning and operating a store together. How does it work?
We started out just selling our own work because our products are cohesive. We now have roughly 25 consignors, and the products we bring into the store are largely influenced by our own aesthetics. Alyssa, Winston, Sarah and I each gravitate to different tasks, making it easy and straightforward to divide and conquer. We are all naturally suited to our rolls, making things virtually fuss free.
Close Quarters Collective prides itself on bringing in products and pieces that are both beautiful and functional. Why the intersection of these two things? And how do you decide to carry a new artist in you shop?
I'm not entirely sure why we gravitate to products that are beautifully functional, maybe because that's what we produce ourselves. Our aesthetic limits that even more because we want products that compliment our own, as well as things we would want to purchase ourselves. Whenever one of us finds a new maker we check in with each other to get their opinions. We never bring things in without each other's opinions.
Can you tell us a bit more about your ceramic process and style? And how long have you been creating and selling your own work?
I have been a ceramicist for 7 years, and selling for probably 5. I throw all of my pots on the wheel. Occasionally I will make a few pinch pots, but I prefer the wheel. My approach to making pots involves simple, but thoughtful forms. I don't like using a lot of different tools. I have 5 tools I use all the time. In any medium there are plenty of opportunities to experiment with new gizmos and elaborate techniques, but I find there is plenty to explore in making the subtlest difference in the proportion and profile of a pot for centuries! Another element I like to explore in pottery is the use of a simple line. When glazing I will leave lines of raw clay to add definition to the form of a pot. The placement of these lines can either accentuate beautiful form or chop it in half in a distracting way. Should the line be horizontal or vertical? Should there be one line or ten? Those are the two elements I am endlessly exploring in my work.
What do you appreciate about the pottery process and working with clay?
I appreciate that clay can always be recycled! I recycle my clay right in my own studio. Whenever I make a pot that I don't like, or it dries too quickly for me to trim it I just chuck it in the recycle bucket and move on. It's awesome. My fiance and I were joking that it would be so incredible if you could do that with sawdust!
How do you balance being a founding member and operator of a business with your own desire and need to create?
Honestly, you have a studio in your home and your BAE cooks dinner every night! I used to have a studio in my friend's workshop, and I barely used it. I despise negativity, but I have only just recently been able to make the balance work. I also work as a landscape designer four days a week, so the only time I have to work on ceramics is in the evening.
close quarters collective | rockport, mass
You stumbled upon Amy and her jewelry and reached out to her about carrying her pieces in the store. How did you find her? Did you slide into her DMs?
Ha! Yes! And funnily enough, I found out after we reached out to her that I knew her friend, and talented photographer, Jesika Theos. I couldn't believe it. Amy presents her jewelry beautifully and professionally, and I'm thrilled she is with us.
Do you wear Amy’s designs? What piece of Amy’s can you be seen wearing and how do you typically wear them?
The arrow dangles are the only pair of statement earrings I own. I've never met a pair I liked until now. I usually wear them with my hair up, and most likely with lipstick.
Has your personal style or appreciation or preferences for different kinds of products evolved since joining and creating Close Quarters Collective? If yes, how so?
The one thing that has certainly evolved is my perception of other products, particularly how they are presented. It isn't easy , or cheap to create a brand. Everywhere you turn there are endless options for labeling, graphics, and imagery. Even the littlest thing such as how the price is displayed on a product is a big decision, and effects whether someone will purchase it. I have so much respect for the local makers we represent in our shop. They have a lot of tenacity.
More information about Shana, her art and her teaching can be found at www.shanaholub.com and more about Close Quarters Collective can be found here.
And as usually, this month’s As Seen On featured style, the Arrow Dangles, are 20% off at check out
[ a little thank you for letting us share our story with you, and for reading until the end! ]
If you or someone you know wears Amy’s pieces and is interested in being featured, please reach out to us. We’d love to learn more about you and what you wear.