Today we’d like to introduce you to Rose Greenberg.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rose. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I graduated from college a few years ago (I studied community health and I’m not a formally trained artist or entrepreneur) and moved back to LA and into an apartment with my cousin. We were furnishing our space and I finally was motivated to start making these pillows I’d been thinking been about for months.
The idea came from a ceramics class I had taken in school. We were assigned to make a series of tools, so I’d made ceramic combs. The project turned out to be a dud, but inspired me to make comb-shaped earrings followed by comb-shaped pillows.
So I made some comb pillows for our home and there was lots of interest and excitement from other people so I decided to push forward and keep making them.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Family and other entrepreneurs have told me since 7th grade (when I started my first business in vintage resale) that it’s not easy to be an artist or own your own business. So in some ways, I was prepared for the challenges. Sometimes I feel super inspired and make a bunch of work but then may have trouble selling it. Other times I get a flood of interest but don’t have the drive or inspiration to create.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I create functional objects–currently pillows and ceramics–that are also pieces of art. Each piece is handmade from start to finish by me. The pillows are unique shapes (squiggles, combs, leggy things) that are meant to be held and interacted with rather than just leaned on or slept on. I notice a lot of people like to hold them on their laps and pet them when they’re in my home. I think they need to be in therapist’s offices so that people can find comfort in them while bringing up emotional topics.
Lately, the ceramic pieces I’ve been making are soap dishes with stubby little legs and spaghetti “hair” (which will be sold at the MOCA Store in October) and salt pigs (AKA salt cellars) with long legs that are carved out of blocks of clay.
Cooking, washing, organizing, and relaxing are ideally part of everyday life and I want those routine activities to be sprinkled with whimsy and joy. If I have to have a soap dish in my bathroom, I want it to be one that makes me smile every time I look at it. I want my surroundings to be as colorful and inspired & inspiring as my mind.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family has been extremely supportive and often buy pieces for themselves and friends.
Anna Rajo is my consultant that I constantly call upon to proofread everything I write and for pep talks.
My cousin Ella Yehros is my fabulous graphic designer.
Monica Nouwens is my number one fabric consultant and occasional photographer.
Zoe Komarin AKA Zoe Food Party is my friend who I feel like I co-own a business with because we work so closely together—but actually we each have our own businesses that are best friends.
My assistant Yves does all my email sending because I often feel blocked from being able to do that on my own. Also, just having his presence makes me more productive.
The photographers and stylists I’ve worked with, Casey McPherrin, Jennelle Fong, Hannah Ray Taylor, and Clarissa Ebigwu move things forward with and for me.
Anyone who has bought my art celebrated or supported it in any way deserves credit because I would not be able to make art every day were it not for them!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rosegreenberg.com
- Email: rosegreenberg.things@
gmail.com - Instagram: @rosegreenberg_
things
Image Credit:
Yves Nuno, Hannah Ray Taylor, Monica Nouwens, Jess Wang
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