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I had the pleasure of visiting Mark Patrick Harrington's home, which has transformed into his art studio. Stepping inside, you immediately sense that the space reflects Mark's personality and, more importantly, his artistic vision. The entrance features a small cut-out wall shelf brimming with his latest endeavor—ceramics. However, calling them ceramics feels like an understatement; they resemble sculptures that convey a narrative. Each piece is unique, even the functional ones, which appear as miniature sculptures in their own right, each telling its own story.
Mark began creating ceramics after feeling he had hit a ceiling in his work and sought to explore a new avenue. He shared that from the moment he started, it felt instinctively right. He described how he often doesn’t know what he’s making, allowing himself to let go of control and ultimately producing work that feels cohesive. It was refreshing to hear this perspective, as many creatives tend to overanalyze their processes. What I admire about Mark is how quickly he has embraced being a student of this art form; he has delved deeply into the traditions of pottery and shared facts I was shocked by! His pieces embody this knowledge, as holding them feels like stepping into a time machine, almost resembling artifacts one might discover in a museum.
Mark doesn't just make ceramics; I was first introduced to him through his collages, which I continue to admire—his work is even featured on our website's landing page! Mark is like a Swiss Army knife, yet to fully explore his creative potential, and he's even expressed interest in woodworking. One remarkable aspect of Mark's art is the interconnectedness of his creations; his pottery draws inspiration from his collages and paintings, creating a full circle.
The key takeaway from our conversation was his fascinating creative process. He mentioned that he finds inspiration everywhere, from something as simple as waiting for the train and then painting that scene on his pottery, to observing patterns in his radiator and attempting to recreate them. He also draws ideas from his living room filled with books, where he often discovers something that resonates with him and aids his creative journey. Initially, these studio visits aimed to showcase creatives in NYC and highlight emerging artists I wish to feature in the shop or pop-ups. However, they have quickly evolved into meaningful discussions that not only guide me in my own endeavors but may also assist others on their journeys. If you're interested in exploring more of Mark's work, feel free to click the link beneath his artwork on the Eclectic landing page!
Located in Red Hook, Brooklyn, Liv Ryan’s NYC studio transports you to another era, right across from an old firehouse that seems straight out of a film. Here, she crafts everything from clothing to ceramics and explores nearly every creative avenue. Her eclectic spirit perfectly defines her work, which is why I chose her studio as the first stop in this series.
Upon entering the studio, there's a lot to take in, yet everything seems to have its own perfect place. The colors blend beautifully, creating a sense of harmony. One standout item she presented to me was a collection of shirts featuring her father's old photos, which she cleverly printed onto the fabric. Additionally, she showcased shirts crafted from vintage materials she either thrifted or discovered by chance. One of my favorites was a yellow button down shirt made from an old tablecloth. Liv has truly established her brand identity, carving out a unique niche for herself. The combination of blue, yellow, and cream colors complements each other remarkably, reflecting her personality and the story she aims to convey through her art.
We spent a significant amount of time discussing music and its role in the creative process and in life overall. Interestingly, she even hosts a radio show at her day job!
Liv is deeply rooted in her community and enjoys engaging with her neighborhood, where she was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. We shared concerns about the diminishing sense of community in New York, but Liv is an exception. She even crafted L.R NYC scarves, inspired by watching soccer with her partner, and gave them away to her local florist, the guy behind the counter at her deli, and Tony, a neighborhood figure who chills on the stoop and seems to know everyone in Carroll Gardens.
During my time there, we discussed a variety of topics, with some highlights being her creative process and the common fear of running out of ideas—a feeling many creatives experience. However, there comes a moment when everything clicks, and you realize your worries were all in your head. We also explored the idea that creativity extends beyond traditional skills like drawing, painting, or singing, which we often hear about in our youth. It's refreshing to see her experimenting with so many different avenues; she even mentioned that she's down to open a hotel someday! Liv embodies a “why not?” attitude that seems to be fading, as many people are hesitant to try new things, regardless of the outcome. I highly recommend grabbing a coffee, strolling through Red Hook, and visiting Liv’s studio. You can find her Instagram on our page to book a visit DM her and show your support!