Meet Blake Conner | Wood & Ceramic Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Blake Conner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Blake, what do you attribute your success to?
Personally I would say the authenticity. Not only in the brand but the actual pieces that I create. I make things from imperfect objects and that final project may be imperfect as well. There has never been two of any item I’ve made because they’re all one of a kind. Some may have natural cracks or grain patterns that can’t be replicated. People see that and hear the story behind it, and I think that makes it successful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a wood and (amateur) ceramic artist. I started out whittling small spoons and other utensils, and while that is still a major part of my art, I now utilize a lathe for turning larger vessels as well as clay for ceramics. With the majority of my pieces the motivation is use. I want to create unique items that can be used in your everyday life.

I believe that my art is unique in that the mediums I’m using (clay and wood) are both very unpredictable. They can shift, warp, and crack. And while many may try and force the piece to fit the image in their head, I allow it to do what it wants so long as it is still usable and safe. It’s all one big experiment and that has led me to make some of the most unique and non-replicable pieces.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, Memphis is known for the food and music so it would definitely start there. We would have to stop at the local farmers market and grab a coffee and some of the best pastries I’ve ever had. From there, a tour of the broad Ave arts district. It’s such an inspiring place for an artist. It’s cold right now so the perfect lunch would be at Pho Binh for some Vietnamese food. Then a trip downtown to see all the shops on front street and a dinner at my favorite Italian spot, Catherine and Mary’s. I guess that’s really just food, but it would depend what music is going on in the area!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I live in Memphis, TN in more of the arts district. I could not and would not be where I am without that community. It’s a place where all small businesses are supported and that allows me to keep doing this. No one has ever showed me as much love as my midtowners have. I love seeing the same customers who can’t wait to show me photos of my pieces in their home. It’s truly what keeps me going.

I would also have to say my wife. She is the one who pushes and encourages me to continually feed my creative side. Without her, I really don’t know if I would’ve started this journey.

Website: https://thecardinalhandmade.com/?fbclid=PAAaZedld1nRyC0bwYhMNBLE4ffVDPRvZXTXawOLB5JUDfBKjMJ4jxCH2n8RU_aem_Ae9ndx2jIUdCQyzMg_aDHIWLxIS9PDsc-9Qlw8sdLaIpa6-T3kBZOMpF9cpfiOHkOy8

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