Conversations with Tierney Sadowski

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tierney Sadowski.

Hi Tierney, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As long as I can remember I’ve been playing with forms. As a kid I fell in love with color and experimentation. As I grew into an adult I had the privilege to study architecture, which made me love and appreciate forms. About 5 years ago I took a ceramics course on a whim, and found my ultimate happy place. It combined all the things I love, and allowed me to create with my hands–something I had been missing a lot.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Turning something you love into a business is always a challenge. Seeing things that deeply resonate with your artistic spirit flop or get ignored, can be a bit demoralizing, but also seeing things you overlooked get praise can really make you re-examine in ways you wouldn’t expect. It sharpens your point of view in a way that is different from something that is just a hobby.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Right now I specialize in lighting, home goods and mugs. I love playing with glazes. I think that is what people first notice about my work. I glaze my pieces in a mixed media way involving screenprinting, reliefs, and airbrushing. These combinations of techniques are unique to me and my work. I’m most proud of my lamps, because there is a lot of technical care and design that goes into each piece. My bouquet lamp is a standalone art piece when off, but due to the lightbulb placement and interior glazing when on it gives off a warmer bounced light tone. I really love the remnants of colors that happen when light bounces. It is almost like painting in a way.

What were you like growing up?
I was definitely an introvert. I would never run out of stamina for creating things as a kid. I was also a night owl staying up as late as I could to finish a painting, or finish editing photos/films. I was really close with my siblings, and I think that bond always encouraged a sense of play in my day to day life that I am incredibly grateful for.

Pricing:

• My pieces have a range from $24 to $500. I try to remain accessible from a price point, while still valuing my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.portalceramics.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portal.ceramics/