About the Maker:
Hidden Hearth Ceramics creator Karin Bolstad is trained in illustration, design, traditional iconography and repoussage, egg tempera painting, and linoleum printmaking - and now she has decided to add ceramics to her portfolio. She fell in love with the idea of using her illustrations on this perfect square little canvas made out of heated dirt that can be both an art object and something practical for the home.
About the Art:
The images used on Hidden Hearth Ceramics are either original paintings and drawings by Karin, or designs created by Karin. They are printed on ceramics with a modern tranferware printing process that is assembled by hand and is fired in a kiln for permanence.
The source tiles are sustainably manufactured in Spokane, Washington by Fireclay Tile.
About the Name:
A favorite children’s book of Karin and her daughter Dorothy is “The Hidden House” by Martin Wadell and illustrated by Angela Barrett. They both loved the idea of a mysterious space hidden from view and time, like a small treasure box, ready to be discovered and loved.
The location of HH Ceramics is indeed hidden in the woods, on an island, far from prying eyes.
As for the word HEARTH: it contains within it the word HEART, EARTH, ART, and HEAT - all essential elements of Hidden Hearth’s creations.
About the Business:
Mission + Values: Low Carbon Footprint and Local
One of the main goals in this business was to make sure it was as environmentally friendly as possible. If the ceramics are not handmade by Karin, they are thrifted or sourced locally. The tiles come from the amazing Fireclay Tile, that also works to have a minimal footprint on the earth.
In order to limit our carbon footprint, Hidden Hearth products are only available locally to Whidbey Island
and Washington State. By staying local to where Hidden Hearth Ceramics are created, our product stays tied to its origins and is something special that is available to local residents and visitors.
About the Team:
Karin is assisted by her husband Scott, who takes all the numbers and details that makes Karin’s brain tired and puts them in spreadsheets which is helpful with all the biz processes. Her daughter Dorothy is often put to work assisting at craft fairs or assembling and firing tiles. And last but not least is Maggie, the Studio dog, who gives a great deal of moral support.
