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Q1 Could you tell us how did you get involved in crafting? Do you have mentors? If so, who are they?
I have been involved in crafting since I can remember, at a very young age. My mother, an art historian and museum educator, was particularly influential in always encouraging my artistic endeavors, from my finger paintings of apples at age three, to my dark gothic (sometimes scary) figure drawings done during my rebellious teenage years! |
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She always kept me enrolled in art classes, brought me to museums around the world, and allowed me to turn my bedroom into an art studio at the age of 12. She always knew I would be able to develop my design sense, and evolve my business sense, to become a "real" living and working artist. I grew up in the small New England town of Mystic, Connecticut, surrounded by antiques and historical architecture. I was taught to appreciate things that were made to last, and to treasure items that held their own history. Items that have special meaning, or have a past in your family, should be cherished; it is from this idea that my passion for creating special gifts and home goods comes.
Q2 What do you think is the most important element in your design?
The simplicity of my designs and the purity of the materials I use are the most important aspects of my design. It is through this aspect that the texts are allowed to say what they need to. |
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Q4 Could you describe your designing process like?
My inspiration comes from many places, including vintage and antique objects such as quilts and furniture. I am often inspired simply by how an item is made or constructed, even if I am not as interested in how it looks. I love researching the symbolism in Early Latino, Mexican, and European art, as well as texts from Greek philosophers such as Plato, or the later American Ralph Waldo Emerson... I use those inspirations as a starting place for expanding my ideas, and later, for expanding my line of products. My physical design process is very hands-on. I develop new designs when experimenting with my core group of materials (clay, wood, paper, cloth) in the studio, or when I discover a need for something that I think I can fill... the magic happens when the inspiration collides with the physical design... and a new product is born. |
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Q5 What does your average day entail? Could you explain?
My average day is a long day! I am up at dawn to begin working on my orders before my daughter wakes up. The day greets me with dozens and dozens of emails from customers, and I always send a personal reply to each one. I believe customer service is the most important part of any business. The morning is then spent crafting, while my daughter plays at my feet. While she naps through the afternoon, I then tend to packing and shipping orders, and loading the kiln to fire the next batch of ceramic pieces. At the end of the day, we make our daily run to the post office to send all of the packages, and return home to see the rest of the family for dinner. Once the little one is in bed, it is back to the computer for me to respond to more emails and keep up with my online Etsy shop. Bedtime for me is late, and the morning comes again soon, when I start all over again, six days a week. I am tired, but I love every second of it and would not change a thing! |
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Q8 What is your future vison?
I would love to expand my business into other areas of design for the home, including textiles, rugs, and furniture. Someday I hope to collaborate with less fortunate artisans in other parts of the world, by designing, creating, and distributing products for a larger market, while fueling the local economy of the artisans and creating a sustainable business for those providing their craft. |
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Q9 Who is your favorite artist?
That is a very difficult question! I can stare for hours at the work of the Italian Renaissance (both the paintings and the architecture), or that of the Dutch Masters- the beauty can bring me to tears. Frida Kahlo, Antoni Gaudi, and Pablo Picasso all inspire me to think outside of the normal limitations of a material and to reach for something further in my design. And I can not forget to mention the inspiration that comes from the innocent drawings of my daughter, with her self-taught hands, or the skilled, refined work of my woodworker husband.
Q10 Would you like to add anything for your Japanese fans?
Thank you for your interest in my work. I look forward to creating a special piece for you. I can be reached at palomasnest@gmail.com |
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Paloma's Nest is the creative work of Caroline Colom Vasquez, an artist and designer living in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. Paloma's Nest is dedicated to creating pieces for the home and for the heart. Each piece is designed and individually hand-crafted with care, pride, and passion. Only the finest all natural materials are used, including porcelain and clay, wood, paper, and cloth. The inspiration for Paloma’s Nest lies in the purity of the materials used, and the idea that something so simple can be so bold. Caroline strives to create items of meaning and purpose from the materials, while leaving the natural characteristics true and pure. By adding text to these materials, written ideas, feelings, and daydreams are given a peaceful place to rest. |
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The subtle details and quality are also strong in my designs, and are most obvious when my pieces are held in your hands. The tactile sense is a very prominent aspect. Custom texts add special meaning for the recipient, and by adding names or dates, I hope to ensure that the piece will be passed to the next generation. My wood designs are crafted from recycled and reclaimed wood (helping to save this beautiful material from the landfill). Every piece-no matter the material- is hand cut, free form, with no pattern, no cookie cutter, This gives each piece its own variation in the size, shape, and layout of the text.
Q3 Could you tell us how do you like your work space? What does it look like?
My studio is a part of our home. This is a wonderful thing, as it allows me to be close to my family all day long. However, it can be very difficult to close the studio door and allow myself some time off! |
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| The studio is a small but sunny space, full of tons of clay, tools, and tiny bowls in various stages of completion. I decorate my studio as I would any room in a home- with mementos and collections, paintings and photos. I prefer my space to feel less like a "workshop" and more like a welcoming living room that I just happen to create in. I am quickly outgrowing my studio space, however, and am in the process of designing a larger space that we will build over the next year. |
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Q6 What projects you are currently working on?
My business is set up through my Etsy shop (www.palomasnest.etsy.com). I am continuously filling orders from my customers there, for events as large as weddings, to just one simple gift someone will give to a friend. Each piece holds the same meaning for me, and is crafted with just as much care and attention as the next. Much of my work is customized. I love to create personalized pieces that will become keepsakes and heirlooms for future generations.
Q7 Is there a dream project that you would like to do?
I am living my dream everyday. To be making a living selling my artwork, and to be at home with my family at the same time, I couldn't ask for anything more.
To receive an email saying "thank you" from a customer who is so thrilled with the special piece that I made- that is what makes me most happy.
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| Sure, I would be honored to design a large commission or make favors for a celebrity wedding... but my daily life, my daily business- that is what is sweet, and that is what makes me smile. |
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