Rachel A. Donner, Ceramicist
I first saw Rachel’s stunning ceramics at my friend Kelsi’s house and immediately knew that I needed to reach out to learn about her work. I visited her studio and featured her on Santa Fe Found a few years ago, and when I was conceptualizing this collection, I knew I wanted her colorful, graphic designs included. I remember that she made ceramic necklace pendants that I loved, so I asked her if she could make those a bit bigger so they could be used as ornaments. The bad news is that she had a finger injury which limited her ability to work, but the good news is that this type of ceramics was the one thing she could do with that finger injury - so it worked out! You can shop the ornaments here.
-Zippy
Since I last interviewed you, what’s new in your life and business?
It has been over two years since my last catch up with SFF! I have moved to a new studio and have been working slowly to shift the way I work so I can always focus on making the art I want to make, whatever that happens to be.
What projects are you most looking forward to in the coming months?
I am making a special collection of sunset and tangerine colored porcelain works for my holiday sale. Sunset and tangerine, such delicious colors! My other excitement is coming from the continuation of teaching myself how to make large coiled and pinched vessels from porcelain.
How has your work evolved over the years?
Since beginning to learn how to make pots, I have gradually tended more and more towards precision over the years, but lately, I am trying to bring some of the voice of the material back into my work.
What inspired the colors and patterns used in the ornaments?
The way I decide what marks to make and what colors to combine comes down to gut reaction and my own sensation of playfulness. I like to think of these ornaments as little painting studies.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your work recently?
I have a finger injury. Not being able to work consistently has been so challenging because not only is this my livelihood, it is also a large part of my identity.
What advice can you give to budding creatives and entrepreneurs in Santa Fe?
Make friends with everybody! There are tons of different artistic communities within Santa Fe and, in general, I find that people are friendly and want to share. All you have to do is ask.
What do you like most about Santa Fe?
The sky, mountains, desert, and plants are what I like most about Santa Fe. It is a little city and within minutes of town you can be in the mountains or desert. Even from the busiest areas, you can be caught off guard by the incredible New Mexico sky.
At the end of the day, why do you do what you do?
Because I can’t seem to do anything else.
Do you and your family have any special holiday traditions?
I grew up celebrating an essentially atheist Christmas, and for the last five years I have also begun celebrating Hanukkah with my partner’s family. I feel really excited and lucky to be able to eat new holiday foods (latkes anyone?!) and celebrate two holidays side by side.
What are you most looking forward to this holiday season?
Baking 100 cookies and spending some real do-nothing vacation time with friends and family!