Artisan Thursday: Harmon Art

Welcome back to Artisan Thursday! This week we're chatting with Harmon Art, who have one of the most unique shops I've seen on Artfire thus far. This husband & wife team sells the most amazing hand-painted gourds and ceramic wears.

Intricate Green Design Medium Gourd

First off, tell us a little about yourselves.

HarmonArt is a husband/wife team (Brian and Emily Harmon). We are both school teachers who use our free time to create nature and leaf inspired handbuilt ceramics and fine craft gourds. We have one two year old son who also loves to create art.

What prompted you to open your shop?

We've been setting up our work at craft fairs and art shows for several years and just decided to take the online plunge.

What makes your shop unique?

This may sound odd, but I've never seen anything like ours. Sure, you see gourds, but my wife's gourds have a unique and more refined style than many. Also, a lot of people make ceramic leaves, but I feel mine capture the natural feel and colors of the leaves better than most.

What influences your art?

Nature and autumn. We both love nature and the fall is our favorite season. The colors and organic shapes of autumn spark our desire to create.

What is your favorite item in your shop?

That's hard, but right now I'll say 'Small Fall Leaf Gourd with Black Background.'

Small Fall Leaf Gourd with Black Background

Twitter is being pushed as the next big marketing tool. Do you like, do you use it, and has it helped your shop?

Yes we use it (twitter handle: HarmonArt). It does seem to push page hits our way, but it has yet to deliver any sales. I'm staying with it though. ArtFire tweeted one of our gourds and its page views quadrupled in one day.

Tell us something about you that we wouldn't guess from your shop.

I am heavily tattooed, but I keep them all in easily hidable locations.

Are you a Mac or a PC?

We are PC people. Art school was all Mac though and I miss them.

Finally, what one thing have you learned since opening your shop that you'd like to share with others?

Promotion and patience are key. I have joined I don't know how many social networking and handmade sites. It's hard to keep them all straight. But they do drive page views. You must put forth the promotional effort to drive interest. Also, be patient. It's a rough economic time. If you are confident in your work, hang in there. Others will start to believe in you too.

Large Ceramic Sycamore Leaf Bowl

Aren't they fantastic? Thanks for being on the blog, Brian & Emily! Make sure you check out Harmon Art on Artfire!

Do you have an Artfire shop that you'd like me to feature, or one you'd like to know more about? Is there something you're dying to know about the featured artisan that I neglected to ask? Email me at atomiccupcakeknits@gmail.com! Did you miss last week's feature? Check it out here.