From childhood to adulthood, Virginia Sin has always used curiosity and play in her pursuit of art. This journey has showed her many facets of being an entrepreneur, and stayed with her through all the learnings this life has to offer. Her work is filled with a duality of sculptural and functional exploration with clay and she doesn’t plan on limiting her practice anytime soon. Our company is honored to carry her artwork in our shops, which you can peruse here.
Without further ado, take a seat with Virginia Sin.
a conversation with Virginia…
1
Tell us about your journey. How did you become a ceramicist/designer?
I identify as a designer/creative director and entrepreneur more so than a ceramicist or artist.I like to think that clay just happens to be the first material I am using to express my designs but I have big plans of branching out into many other materials. I just want to become very established in one material before moving on to the next.I would say the journey started young. There’s a picture of me when I was 6 glazing a bisqueware ceramic turtle! I also took ceramics all throughout high school. Later I went to Art Center College of Design to study graphic design with an emphasis in advertising. I ended up moving to New York straight after college to pursue advertising and did that for 12+ years. So I would say that the path to building a home goods brand has not been linear at all. Which I think is important to point out and embrace. There are so many transferable skills I’ve learned along the way: from studying at a design school with Bauhaus teachings, to working as a creative in corporate advertising servicing clients…! Presently, when I look at what I want to achieve in this lifetime, and my vision to build a heritage brand, it’s pretty safe to say that I am still frolicking through the early stages of my journey :)
2
What inspires you daily?
Everyday interactions and conversations with people. You can learn so much from observing others. I’m pretty social, so I don’t mind talking to strangers and asking lots of questions! By being curious all the time, I’m constantly wanting to learn something new, which I find super inspiring.
3
What makes your work stand out to you?
Unique forms that feel equal parts sculptural and functional. Pushing the limitations of clay and what you can make with it!
4
What does a day-in-the-work-life look like for you?
Now that I have a 1 year old…I’ve been a bit more “boundaried” about working less. Even though my work allows me to work remotely, I prefer to come into the studio everyday. I get in around 9:30 and try to leave by 5. Some days I will do more work after the baby goes down but I’m trying to be better! It’s hard when you’re an entrepreneur and love what you do so much! Everyday is so different at SIN, I don’t really have a set routine, which I love. Some days, I might be in back to back meetings while others, I can dedicate time to do inspo trips or review new designs, clay bodies and glazes we are developing! It all just depends, but it keeps things so fun and exciting.
5
In honor of Women’s History Month, could you share who has been the most impactful woman in your life or career and why?
After lots of processing, self-work and healing, I’m proud to say, my mom has been the most impactful woman in my life. Our relationship has come a really long way. I think the mother daughter relationship is incredibly complex. And as I become a first time mother myself, I can say I finally understand first hand some of the challenges she faced raising me. And my baby is only 1 year old… so I know I’ve only dipped my toes in this area. 40 years ago, first time moms did not have the same support system, resources, communities to lean on. There was no such thing as mommy blogs or automatic baby rocking contraptions! My mom has always had incredibly high expectations for both herself and for me. Her complaints are always hard earned and her unwavering honesty takes courage to exercise. With her tiger-mom mentality she has shaped me into a very resilient individual. Paired with my dad’s eternal optimism, who possesses all the stereotypical traits of what a nurturing mom looks like, my hope is to pass down their impact.
In terms of my career, at SIN, I strive to create an environment where our team of women can feel empowered to achieve whatever it is they set their minds to and to create opportunities where they can grow their skill sets and talent.
rapid fire with Virginia…
1
Favorite place to visit to spark inspiration?
Swimming in any salty body of water or The Art & Architecture Room inside the New York Public Library
2
Color or neutrals?
Color: I describe my favorite shade of color as: “pale fiberglass green” !! Pale Purples, Cold Greens and Brick
Neutral: Warm browns, Cold grays and bone
3
One product that is always in your bag?
4
Favorite space in your home?
Kitchen
5
Your current favorite item from your collection at Shoppe?