Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristine Baetz
Hi Kristine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I never really considered myself an artist because I can’t draw and I can’t paint, but I do enjoy working with my hands and I have always been fascinated with handcraftsmanship. I was a Fine Art minor in college, and tried several art mediums during my years in school, but nothing stuck. My senior year, I took a ceramics course and the search was over, I was hooked instantly. Clay taught me there is an artist in each one of us, we just need to find the medium and tools to awaken our unique creativity.
After graduation, I moved from Maryland to western North Carolina, in the beautiful Appalachian mountains. North Carolina is a mecca for pottery, it was the perfect spot to continue my studies in ceramics. I took continuing education classes through Appalachian State University, and over time eventually started teaching evening classes to the community. I also had the opportunity to apprentice for two potters and learned invaluable skills in mass production and running a successful pottery business.Over the next 15 years, my husband and I moved across the country living in places such as Oregon, Arizona, Tennessee, Maryland, and now Utah. Each community and landscape shaped my life and my artwork. I am inspired by nature and the surrounding mountains. I particularly love flowers and enjoy incorporating them into my pieces, either through a drawing or carving, or a three dimensional ceramic flower.
Being a young family new to Utah, I spent a good deal of time as a SAHM, raising our two daughters and getting involved in the community. Eventually, I needed a creative space so we converted our garage into a pottery studio. My wheel, workbench, and kiln fit snug into our two car garage. As time went on, I craved the artist community and missed teaching, so I purchased a few wheels and started offering classes in my garage February 2022. Winters here are way too cold so after a year, it was time to “unfinish” our finished basement. In 2023, we ripped up carpet and moved the studio down in my home. I currently have 4 wheels, 2 kilns (in my garage still), and offer several classes, studio memberships, and workshops throughout the year.
I truly am blessed and grateful I get to create with clay on a daily basis and I love sharing the experience with other creative individuals. I am living the dream!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My biggest challenge as an artist is learning to be a business owner. I love making and teaching pottery so much that it is difficult for me to remember to manage the business side of things too. The solopreneur life is hard, especially when tasked with all facets of business: accounting, marketing, shipping, social media content, websites, and more.
Another challenge has been starting a business while raising a family. We are fortunate my husband’s career affords me the opportunity to be a SAHM and now run my own pottery business ( a dream come true), but it does come with its obstacles. Time management is crucial and I really have to learn to work efficiently. Some days I only have a few hours of studio time when you factor in the kid’s schedules. Juggling a start up around family means my business grows at a bit slower pace than most others. It’s taken me some time to accept where I am in my journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My focus over the past several years has been functional ceramics (dinnerware, vases, planters, etc.). My business name is Pinch & Purl Creative because I also enjoy knitting and crocheting, as well as stained glass. Pinch is a method in ceramics and Purl is a knitting stitch. I call myself a serial crafter and my big dream is to have a place where the community can come together and learn/create a variety of different art mediums, not just ceramics.
I grew up surrounded by hand made items and have always had an appreciation for the skill and love put into works crafted by hand. My grandmother loved to knit, crochet, sew, and embroider. At a young age she taught me how to crochet. Our home was filled with handmade blankets, quilts, scarves and sweaters, many of which I still own today. I love wrapping my daughters in one of my grandmother’s blankets knowing there is a person and a story behind that creation; a part of her that I can carry with me. I strive to make objects that are functional and can blend into the users’ every day life. Every stitch of yarn, every pinch of clay carries a story. I love that a piece of pottery can not only be the centerpiece of a table but also of a conversation. My hope is these hand made pieces, and the stories they evoke, will find a special place in one’s home and heart.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The ceramic art scene is growing in SLC right now, which is very exciting. Pottery has changed my life and I love the fact that other people want to explore ceramics. Particularly after COVID, people have a strong desire for community and trying new things, and taking a pottery class is such a fun and rewarding experience. I hope more people take art classes and consider supporting local artists. Social media has also been a great way to connect with others globally and share experiences and artwork. Interest in ceramics has grown thanks to social media and there is more appreciation and awareness around handmade craft and art. I am thrilled to see growth in the ceramics community locally here in Utah, and worldwide.
Pricing:
- 6 week Beginner Wheel Throwing Pottery Class: $300
- 2 Hour Wheel Throwing Pottery Try It Session: $65
- Artwork varies by piece
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pinchnpurl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinchnpurl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinchnpurl
