Pam Kravetz- Queen of Craft

I am so very excited to share with you my one-on-one experience with the fabulous Pam Kravetz, a Cincinnati artist who is a genius of fiber sculpture, ceramics and more. Involved with numerous Cincinnati happenings including the Bombshells, an exhibition at the Un-Museum in the Cincinnati Contemporary Art Center, work with Visionaries + Voices, and Artworks, (just to name a few!) she is an energetic delight whose work is intricate, brightly colored and overall whimsical. I first met Pam during an Expressive Arts class led by Jenny Ustick and Sarah Lanman in which she was one of our many guest speakers. The mission of the class is to work with Adolescent and Young Adult cancer patients and survivors to create age-appropriate opportunities for growth, expression, communication, and collaborative learning through art collaboration. During her time in class, Pam shared with us her experience of working with cancer patients and making art based from those interactions. Commissioned by the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital are colorful and narrative quilts inspired by her time spent meeting and talking with cancer patients.

I am enamored by her enthusiasm to meet with me and willingness to share her experiences; personal and professional. Her personality is infectious and she’ll have you smiling in no time. Last week she invited me to her home/studio for an interview. Here is what she had to say:

How long have you had a studio?

I have worked from home since we [my husband and I] bought this house 7 years ago. I had a studio in Northside the senior year of my undergraduate degree [School of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning Ceramics and Drawing major]. Some friends and I worked together there and we thought we were really cool. But I prefer to work from home. I have had a studio outside of my home when someone hires me for a commission and they rent the space for me but otherwise it’s not separate from where I live.

What are the problems you face in getting your artwork done?

Time. Not enough of it.  I like deadlines. I need a do or die deadline. And I also like very tangible things like contracts. I will either learn how to do something for a project or I will contact someone to do it for me. I have a great network of craftsperson that I can call on.

What are your greatest rewards as an artist?

I’m process oriented so I like the sitting and making.  And figuring things out. I like the party and end result and everyone there at one time. I’ve been pushing towards more performance based art cause I like the crazy. I believe, that we truly make art for ourselves and how you react to my work makes me really happy. I want to see the human interaction. I love that. It’s the biggest, most special moment for me.

What recommendations would you give to an artist who is just starting out?
Be super professional and do what you say you’re going to do. The first time I worked with a comission, I lost money. I didn’t have enough time or money to make 15 pieces so I hired two friends to help me in order to make the deadline. That helped me get the job the next time, but I asked them to extend the deadline and budget because I told them I couldn’t do it. Some artists think some rules don’t apply to them but the rules of life really apply to us. Follow through even if it sucks. Don’t sign a contract without having someone read it over first and don’t sign with a gallery unless it’s the best deal you’re ever going to get because then they own you – I’ve heard from people that’s not the way to go. Apply for everything that you think is a fit. Don’t let your feelings get so hurt that you stop making work. Be out and go to things and look at stuff. There’s so much going on but don’t let it overwhelm you.

 

Check out her website here.

See some of her latest work featured at The Carnegie in The Art of Food (2014)  here.