Today we’d like to introduce you to Abbie Preston.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Abbie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m originally from Georgia and went to school there to receive my BFA in Studio Art with an emphasis in ceramics and painting. About six years ago I decided to move to Houston to work with a non-profit that was a volunteer year. I was partnered with The Art Project, Houston which was a therapeutic and self-empowerment program for men and women who currently live on the streets in downtown. I loved my time there as I was able to see art making transform lives like I had never experienced before.
It pushed me to be open with sharing my own creativity and process at the art table and with others. After my time ended at the Art Project I was yearning for a space of my own to create. I was currently working retail management full time and feeling a void. My good friend and I had been talking about getting a space together and she found the studio where we currently are located at Hardy and Nance Studios. We started out in a smaller studio than our current one and we couldn’t have been more thrilled.
I began to spend time there painting after work and slowly was able to get the equipment and materials I needed to start throwing pottery on the wheel again. It felt like a very slow process, in the beginning, finding ways to carve out time to create and finding my aesthetic and voice as an artist. Since then it has been an unbelievable journey with a lot of learnings and equally a lot of moments to celebrate. As of October 2016, I was able to quit my retail job and focus on my business full time.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all! As a trained artist, I don’t feel like universities always give you the best tools to learn how to be a full time creative. I am so appreciative of the techniques and skills that were honed while I was in school, but I wish it was required for art students to take business and marketing classes. Learning to run a business and balance making artwork has been one of my biggest obstacles.
Another challenge has been removing the mindset that one connection or collaboration with an individual or brand will be a game changer. In my experience, it’s the consistency of good work and showing up every. single. day. Yes, connections are wonderful and propel you to a new level, but at the end of the day, it’s about the quality of work and confidence in what you do that will get you further.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Box Sparrow Studio – what should we know?
Box Sparrow Studio exists to design and creates one of a kind ceramics in small batches, with a high focus on design and utility while using a minimal palette. Most of my work focuses on functional pieces inspired by the idea of gathering together. My hope is that I am creating pieces that will become family heirlooms, standing the test of time while being integrated into families for years to come.
I often reflect back to childhood memories created with my own family around the table or in the kitchen for inspiration. I offer two collections based on two very influential people in my life. The Papou Collection was inspired by my Grandfather who was a wonderful chef and host. His collection is for those who love to entertain and bring others into their home. The second is The Betty Collection, inspired by my Grandmother. She loved her family, a good cup of coffee and the simple pleasures of life. Her collection was designed to be used and loved every day…
The process of making ceramics can be long and tedious, but it calls me to slow down and pay attention. I set a very high standard for the quality of work I create, which is also what I believe sets my work apart. from others. I pay close attention to the small details from start to finish as I am working and before being sold to the public. A single piece can take several weeks from creation to completion, sometimes going through the kiln four different times to achieve my desired aesthetic.
I purposefully hand sign the bottom of each one so that the buyer is reminded that they are taking home not only a functional ware but also an original piece of artwork.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There have been so many influential people along this journey that have inspired, encouraged and been advocates for myself and the work that I do. The list would be so long and I wish that I had the time and space to name them all! First and foremost, my partner in life, designer, number one critic and supporter, Chap. He has been a daily encourager, speaks the truth when I need it, but may not want to hear it.
I value his opinion and feedback more than anyone else when it comes to my business. My family, closest friends and studio mate (who is also one of my dearest friends) have been an irreplaceable support system, cheerleaders and many times helping with the small details and grunt work that comes with running a small business. To my college professor who gave me the skills to learn my craft and gave such wisdom and insight into what it meant to be a full-time artist, thank you.
Ten years later, I am still putting into practice what I learned from you. To my mentor in college who took me on as an apprentice at his studio, thank you. He taught me more than anyone else that attention to detail is essential to the work you create. It’s sometimes the only encounter people will have with you and what you do. And last but definitely not least, my supporters, collectors, and buyers. I could not be where I am today, fully self-employed by my business without your belief in what I do and love for what I create. Thank you more than you’ll ever know!
Contact Info:
- Address: 1707 Nance Street Studio D Houston, TX 77020
- Website: www.boxsparrowstudio.com
- Email: abbie@boxsparrowstudio.com
- Instagram: @boxsparrow
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boxsparrowstudio
Image Credit:
Lindi Bowman
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
