Welcome friends!
First blog post on the books! Exciting stuff! Just wanted to give a little intro to any new friends or potential retailers. My name’s Bianca! I’m the leading cat lady here at By Bianca Rae. I’m a trained potter with a BFA in ceramics from Rhode Island College. I earned a degree in Art Education from Rhode Island College and taught art in the public schools for about 10 years. During this time, I developed a love for sewing and earned my master seamstress certification from the University of Rhode Island as well. I produced several runway collections, but ultimately always landed back with my first love, ceramics.
I loved teaching at the high school, but ultimately knew my real calling was making work. When I had my twins in 2022, I took a huge risk and left teaching to raise my littles. I moved cross country with my husband and babies to rural TN where I now live and work.
This transition has been a bit chaotic with two moves in one year, but I’m so psyched with where we landed in the beautiful mountains of TN.
I’m actually kind of blown away by the way my work has progressed in light of the instability. Something about painting always helps to ground me in times of chaos. I spent most of my adult life working two jobs- pursuing my art nights and weekends as I could. Never giving it my full attention took a toll on my mental health leaving me generally unsatisfied and less myself at work. I had professors in college who regularly encouraged me to consider full time art making (not art education), but my practical brain had never really accepted taking that risk. With so many ‘close calls’ (project runway castings, buyer interviews for companies like Urban Outfitters) I knew that I was on to something, but lacked the time and attention necessary to get me to that next level.
Once I had my twins, I knew I wasn’t comfortable leaving them in someone else’s care. My husband and I agreed to make something work. After the move(s) I began reaching out to retailers and really concentrating on my craft and quality. Over the span of just two months, I am now proud to have my work on display in 2 galleries and 15 stores across 12 states. What a blessing it has been to be able to do what I love while raising my babies. I am eternally grateful for all of my favorite cat people who continue to support my work. Thank you for every like, share and purchase. I pray every day that my work brings joy, connection and COLOR to homes across this beautiful country we call home.
I will attempt to post here regularly with studio updates. My husband built me a studio which is very slowly coming together in our time off. Doing anything with twin two year olds can be challenging haha but slow is fine in my book! I’m also working on some really exciting studio projects for another gallery - something I’m really excited about doing. The larger work has always been a passion, just not something that’s always an option with my work schedule and order timelines.
Thank you for being a part of this journey! Make sure you join my mailing list to stay up to date with what’s going on here at BBR. I’m so thankful and grateful that I get to live this life because of all of YOU and your support!
Xx,
Bianca
