Kim Westad - New York City - USA
WHO (Your name, general description, any random bit of info about yourself, a vague sentence):
My name is Kim Westad and I'm a ceramic artist currently working out of my studio in the Bronx.
WHAT (Tell us about your shop, the items you make):
I'm currently focusing on functional ceramics using porcelain- bowls, cups, vases and my favorite, Whirls. 2007 has been an amazing year for my work. I've designed and produced three new collections and have been very happy to have my work recognized by several media outlets including House Beautiful and Las Vegas Home and Design Magazines.
WHERE (Why do you sell on Etsy?):
I'm currently selling in boutiques and galleries throughout the U.S., as well as online through Etsy. Etsy has been a wonderful resource, allowing me to present my work to a huge online community. I've sold pieces to clients in Singapore, Australia, Canada and the U.S.. It's allowed me to reach a much broader retail audience as well as introduce my work to galleries and wholesale buyers.
WHEN (When did you start making handmade items? When did you start selling on Etsy? Any tips for current/future sellers?):
I've been making handmade items for as long as I can remember, though I only started my ceramics business in 2004. On a whim, I started selling on Etsy in January 2007. It turned out to be one of the best business decisions I've made.
I think that presentation is everything and I make sure to present my work and myself in a professional manner. I take pride in offering quality pieces as well as concentrating on customer service. I do my best to make sure that the descriptions of my work are clear and my photographs accurately represent the work. Good communication is a must.
WHY (Go on, free self-promotion time! Why should people buy from your shop?):
I know that my quality of life is definitely dependent upon my surroundings. It's probably true for most people, but I am certainly more comfortable and happy when I am surrounded by the people, animals and things that I love. That thought goes into each piece that I make. I work very hard to design and produce unique, quality pieces that I hope my customers will be happy to use and have in their homes. My work is very much about the process, working with each piece from inception to completion. I live with each piece throughout that process (which sometimes lasts several weeks), though I know that the work ultimately doesn't belong to me. Each Whirl, bowl, cup or vase is created with the hope that it will enhance the surroundings of its new owner.
FUN (Whatever you feel like talking about. A favorite shop or item on Etsy, a website you think others should look at, why butterflies and toe socks should rule the world):
It's October and I'm still waiting for Fall in New York.....
Aaaand…RANDOM QUESTION! If you had a tree house, what would you put in it?:
Indoor plumbing.
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