Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Hakes.
Hi Gabrielle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up I was always working on some creative project or science experiment, but my love of pottery specifically didn’t solidify until high school! There were two pottery wheels in the back corner of the art room that we’d never been taught to use, and I begged our teacher to let us try. She brought in a friend of hers who taught us how to throw, and once we had some pieces he did raku and pit firings with us and my heart was set. I applied to The Meadows School of The Arts at SMU, and received a BFA in Studio Art in 2017, with focuses in ceramics and photography.
If there’s anything we know about college, it’s that it can come with some hefty student loans. I worked whatever jobs I could get to make sure I got them paid off as soon as possible, and almost exactly after I got those loans paid off, I was ITCHY! It had been so long since I’d had a true creative outlet, and I needed to get my hands back in some clay! I emailed Master Potter Tony Holman asking if there was any way that he’d let me into his studio, and he blessed me with the opportunity to be his apprentice. I worked there part-time at first, after my usual job and on the weekends, and eventually it became my full time employment. It was such a wonderful opportunity to learn what it takes to be a full-time production potter. It taught me what school couldn’t teach me, and what is typically only learned by personal trial and error. I probably would’ve stayed there forever, had my husband’s job not moved us to Houston and created a new opportunity.
In Houston, I was finally in my own studio. I was awarded the time to begin honing my craft, creating a body of work I was happy with, and preparing to share that with the world. In 2024, I registered as a business and have been selling my work online, on consignment and at local markets.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’d say the biggest challenge is the financial strain that comes along with starting any business. Sales fluctuate, some collections are more popular than others, it’s a toss up! It was hard to give up a reliable paycheck in order to pursue my dream, but it’s been incredible to watch my art spark joy in others.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a ceramic artist, so I make all sorts of things from mugs and pitchers, to snowmen lanterns and mushroom shaped jars! I love to make pieces that are a pleasure to use, so that plays heavily into each of my designs. If it doesn’t feel good when it’s in use, it gets a redesign until it does! Currently, my proudest achievement is creating a paper towel holder that’s large enough to fit those giant Costco rolls. I’ve been fighting with those for years so it’s nice to finally have a beautiful, functional solution!
How do you define success?
I feel successful when I see my work spark joy for someone. If I’ve created a functional piece of art that’s serving well and making your day a little better? I’ve done my job!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hakesandco.com
- Instagram: @gabriellehakes
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/hakesandco
