Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Block.
Hi Tara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
My journey started with clay about a decade ago when I took an intro class at the Grand Marais art colony on the north shore, I had been interested in working with clay since high school when I attended an empty bowls class. Clay has been in my life ever since, but did ebb out a few times as it is not a very nomadic art and I traveled quite a lot. I recognize my main purpose in life has been to return to the creative freedom I felt when I was a child. I have a background in Yoga, wellness and spirituality and although not all of my offerings are bluntly wellness related the core values I want to bring to the world with Dame Errant are that of creative freedom and using clay and the creative process to explore ourselves while being in a supportive healing environment.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As an artist and creator balancing creative energy with business energy has been a big challenge. For example, after creating the “perfect teacup” I was resolute on duplicating 10 more in order to sell them. I found out early on that I can not duplicate my work with that in mind. The figure of a thrown vessel has a personality that is changed with the most subtle adjustment to the curve. I could not copy the curves while thinking of it, but needed to return to the original energy of the making of the piece and feel through it. I am constantly trying to bring more play into my creating and leaving the rigid logical business mind to the side as much as I can.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our key offering is “open clay”. No experience needed. There is something magical about putting a piece of clay in front of someone and walking away leaving them to decide on infinite outcomes of its manifestation. (We do provide support as well). We as humans forget that we are creators in our base nature, we create everything around us and yet forget and are often expected to be a simple piece of a machine. Many of us have art scars or the opinion that we are “not creative”. I’ve had people come in after designing and executing their own custom work and still use this dialogue.
The pieces that people make are mid fire stoneware, once they are done, guests leave the piece with us to dry and we fire and glaze it for them. When they come to pick it up they are greeted with an artifact that could last hundreds of years (and is also microwave dishwasher safe).
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Playfulness and imagination.
Pricing:
- Open Clay $30-$45
- Workshops $40-$65
- Pottery $12-$200
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.dameerrant.com
- Instagram: @DameErrant
- Facebook: @DameErrant
- Twitter: @DameErrant
Image Credits
Dallas Smith
Gulia Tess
