Exploring Life & Business with Marina Karassellos of Ode To Abode LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marina Karassellos.

Hi marina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up in Zimbabwe, Africa, I was captivated by the amazing potential of clay early on. My childhood under the warm sun involved a lot of time in the backyard, my hands muddy from playing with my pet warthogs. It was there that my imagination developed, as I invented stories for the animals and then sculpted them using the clay right there.

Later, I pursued Graphic Design and Advertising in Johannesburg, South Africa. After graduating, I immigrated to the United States in the early 2000s. My journey took me through Arizona, Boston, and Chicago – where I contributed my skills to top US agencies and brands. Eventually, my path led me to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where I met and married my husband. For 25 years, my career revolved around crafting stories for products and brands.

Life has a way of circling back, and mine led me back to clay as a cherished hobby. I joined Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago and subsequently, Grand Rapids Pottery, where I honed my wheel-throwing skills.

Today, I am a self-taught figurative sculptor by profession. My artistic journey is one of constant discovery through experimentation and keen observation. I find immense joy in instilling personalities into clay, crafting figurines with backstories that capture the essence of everyday people… with a twist. Each piece becomes a silent storyteller, whispering tales of unexpected passions, quirky misfortunes, and the strangely beautiful mishaps and magic of ordinary lives. My work also delves into societal and cultural themes through subtle symbolism and poignant expressions, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities and nuances of the human condition. Beyond figurative works, I also create sculptural vessels inspired by the textures and patterns of both human and natural design.

My unique vision and raw creativity are reflected in deeply personal pieces that stand as a testament to my distinct artistic spirit.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey to becoming a sculptor has been both profoundly challenging and immensely rewarding. As anyone who works with clay knows, there’s a constant dance with numerous variables – different clay bodies reacting uniquely, the delicate balance of various firing temperatures, and the often unpredictable alchemy of glazes, all yielding a spectrum of results. This initial exploration was marked by its share of heartbreak, moments like the devastating discovery of pieces exploding in the kiln after weeks, even months, of painstaking work, representing not just lost material but significant investments of time and creative energy. Beyond mastering the technical aspects, there was also the demanding pursuit of accurately capturing the human form. Learning the intricacies of anatomy, the subtle shifts in muscle and bone that convey emotion and movement, proved to be a rigorous but ultimately fulfilling endeavor. I’ve been reminded by many that this journey is not a destination but a continual path of learning, experimentation, and growth. Each successful piece, and even each failure, offers invaluable lessons that propel me forward in my exploration of form and expression.

As you know, we’re big fans of Ode To Abode LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I started Ode To Abode L.L.C in 2018 when I lived in Chicago. I have now registered the LLC in Michigan.
(The Ode To Abode concept is centered around unique, one-of-a-kind décor collections that I currate, and sell “in a box” so to speak. Whilst I plan to continue to build out the original idea, I am operating my sculpture business under the same moniker).

This May will mark an exciting milestone with the debut of my sculptures and vessels at Capizzo Studio’s gallery’s opening show in Saugatauk, MI. I am currently working on finalizing pieces for a few collections that range from characters to sculptural vessels.

What sets my art apart is my unique vision and the distinct story angles I bring to life in clay, along with the versatility of my offerings. My work appeals to a range of aesthetic preferences, encompassing purely decorative pieces that serve as focal points and functional art that seamlessly blends beauty with utility. I am most proud of my realistic clay portraits, especially the pieces that depict people I know.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up in Zimbabwe, I was a curious, creative, and driven child with a deep connection to both the natural world and the act of making. My childhood was a vibrant tapestry of outdoor exploration, tending to an array of unique pets (warthogs being a particular favorite), and constant creative endeavors, from baking and sewing to drawing, painting, and backyard theatricals – encouraged by my colorful mother. Music was a large part of my upbringing, filling our home with diverse sounds and rhythms – again, thanks to my mom. Music wasn’t just an auditory experience; it added another dimension to my inner world, a soundtrack to my budding creativity, and it continues to energize my creative process today.

My life in Zimbabwe, as the daughter of a mechanic and hunter, profoundly shaped my outlook and interests. During school holidays, I spent weekdays assisting at the bustling garage shop, a stark contrast to weekends spent bumping along in the back of a rickety Land Rover, tracking Buffalo and Kudu for family meals. Even the long hours stranded in the hot, dusty bush while my father branded cattle became fertile ground for my imagination to flourish and for a deep intrigue with the world and its raw elements to take root.

My time at boarding school in South Africa undeniably broadened my horizons and illuminated a wider spectrum of possibilities for my creative future. It was the 80s! Fashion was a vibrant landscape of bubble skirts and double belts, the airwaves pulsed with new wave and synth-pop, and big hair reigned supreme. Despite the prevailing trends, I navigated this era with an independent spirit, a trait that remains a core part of me even now. That inherent drive to forge my own path was definitely taking root. I’ve always thrived on a challenge, and that determined mindset, the unwavering focus I bring to achieving a goal I’ve set for myself, was certainly being honed amidst the backdrop of leg warmers and iconic 80s tunes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marinakarassellossculptor.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marina_karassellos_sculptor/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-karassellos/

Image Credits
These are all my own images. No rights are needed.