Check Out Debbie Carlos’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Carlos.  

Hi Debbie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After a brief time in academia, I found that being creative was the direction I wanted to follow. I went to The School of the Art Institute of Chicago to study photography and spent the first 10 years of my career as a fine art photographer, doing some editorial & commercial work for a small handful of clients. After a while, I think my natural maker tendencies started to creep to the surface and I wanted to work more with my hands. I think I wanted to create something that didn’t just live on a page, a monitor, or the wall. I wanted to make things that could be used and had a function. Clay was a medium that I was interested in for a long time so I finally decided to take a few clay classes at the local community art center and was hooked! 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Not at all. I’m lucky that most of my work, both photography and ceramics, has been well received in general, but as an artist or a maker, the things you put out into the world are very personal. This means there are a lot of self-doubts that come along with all the highs. You’re navigating a non-conventional career path that, in most cases, does not come with a steady paycheck, so the ability to support yourself is always in question even in times when I’m doing well. It’s honestly kind of a chaotic path to choose but making is what I’m passionate about! 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I make primarily functional ceramics — tableware, kitchenware, travel mugs, smoke ware, and, recently, lighting. My ceramic work is inspired by land and architecture, experimenting with shape, size, and materials to create unexpected and beautiful functional and sculptural objects. 

What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important thing I’ve realized is that it is ok to say no to projects or people that don’t make you feel good. It is the only way to keep making things joyful, and sustainable. 

Contact Info:

• Email: debbie.carlos@gmail.com
• Website: http://store.debbiecarlos.com
• Instagram: debbiecarlos
• Facebook: debbiecarlosstudio
• Other: @debbiecarlosstudio – TikTok