Today we’d like to introduce you to Marianne Baer.
Hi Marianne, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Art has been my thang forever! I remember making my first ceramic bowl out of the mud in a lake and decorating with rocks and designs when I was 10 years old. I was brought up at a summer camp in Northern Wisconsin and spent a lot of time in the craftshop creating! My parents were wonderful as they always encouraged me to do Art if that is what I loved!
So, following my heart, I went to art school at the UWMadison where, after my senior year in Italy, I graduated. In school, we had never broached the topic of what to do with our degree after we graduate from college. Non-conformist that I am, I decided to be my own boss and I incorporated as Baer Designs, Inc. way back in 1987 making ceramics and ceramic jewelry.
I love that I still see folks around STl wearing my earrings from the ’90s!
In order to establish myself as an artist in STL and learn about the art community here, I went to lots of openings and talks, entered shows, volunteered my time, and donated a lot of art.
I have a Studio Show & Sale on April 9th and 10th with 7 other artists. It’s like a “private” art fair for a weekend! I have shows and sales at my home studio biannually for over 35 years. I have also sold across the country galleries and juried Art Fairs including the prestigious St. Louis Art Fair for 11 years.
I taught handbuilding ceramics at Craft Alliance for 10 years. After I had my girls, I started teaching from my home studio. I continue to offer clay and Upcycled Fiber classes now.
During Covid, I opened an Etsy page where I switched back to focusing on ceramics from my foray into experimenting with upcycled wool and hand-stitched artwork.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Since I do not have to make a living from sales of my artwork, I have felt so lucky following my Marianne path.
I have nothing to complain about.
Keep focusing on the positive and keep practicing! I have fun and love what I do.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I believe I’m known for being involved in many art organizations. Since I have been around for 35 years, I feel like I’m well established here. Although, I am still surprised when someone says, “Are you Marianne BAER?” because they have been to my home shows or they have a piece of mine from way back. Love that!
I’m especially known for my black and white sgraffito clay designs. My newer clay leans more towards bright colors and textures made from tools I make myself.
What may set me apart from others maybe my enthusiasm for life, art, clay, exploring, and living life to the fullest. I don’t believe in “mistakes or perfection”. My motto is always to “keep practicing” because when we are practicing, we don’t need to “get” anywhere, we are right here-appreciating the present. We can keep practicing and never be disappointed that we didn’t reach “there”.
My real goal in teaching is to let others know that they can feel free to try and experiment without any pressure or judgment. and to keep practicing learning to love imperfection!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I think risk-taking is dictated by one’s ego. As artists, we expose ourselves via our work and visibility. Meaning that we need to feel good about what we want to share with others and have self-confidence that we are ok doing so. Also, I take pride in not being too predictable and helping others take risks to become who they really are and the most they can be!
Pricing:
- Supply and demand does and should control our prices.
- $20-$250
Contact Info:
- Email: marebaer20@gmail.com
- Website: www.baerdesigns.com
- Instagram: @baerdesignsstudio
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/
BaerDesignsInc - Other: https://www.etsy.com/
shop/baerdesignsstudio
Image Credits
Marianne Baer
