Welcome to the Little Garage Shop


 

We had a chance to visit the Little Garage Shop last week and to see their studio space in NE Portland. From displaying their ceramics to their working space, everything nests in their little garage space. Their collection include a range of tableware, objects, and sculptures, approaching form and function thoughtfully to create works that are timeless, modern, and approachable.

From start to finish, everything is cut, thrown, shaped, glazed, fired, dyed, painted, dried, and tagged in house. While some may see the garage as a space to fill, L.G.S. see it as a space for possibilities!

See below to read our interview with them!

 

When did you decide that you wanted to make ceramics?

I decided to make ceramics my focus about 6 years ago. I had taken one class in college, 20 years ago, but had forgotten about it almost completely except for the few pieces I made from that time on the shelf. I was working in advertising and marketing at the time when my partner had suggested I do something creative again to provide an outlet from work. After taking a class at a studio near my place I was hooked. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed having my hands in clay and how much it grounded me. Over the course of a year I had developed a small collection of work that was bought by a shop in LA and that was the moment I made the decision to make this my career and to do the thing that actually makes me happy.

 

 

What sets your ceramics apart from others? 

We aim to create objects/ceramics that will stand the test of time and often avoid overt trends. We want our pieces to add value to your life while seamlessly elevating your surroundings. Much of our work has dual functionality offering a piece of art as well as a multi-purpose vessels. The Guardian series is a perfect example of this idea. They are three piece vessels that stack onto each other to create a sculpture or broken down can be used as individual vessels. 

 

Where does your inspiration come from?

We are very much inspired by brutalist architecture, mid-century design and a 70's color palette. While we reference these inspirations, we never try to just replicate an era or trend. It’s more of a nod towards the craft and palette of that time.

 

 

How did you decide that a garage would be the perfect space for your work? 

For us, the garage is a symbol of creativity. It’s the place to fix a car, start a band, launch a revolution, or build an atelier. The garage is where imagination and transformation come together. It's a sanctuary to some and to others a graveyard for stuff. We decided to give the garage a second life, using it as a revolving showroom/studio space, which evolves and changes a few times as year as the work evolves. 

 

Besides yourself, is there anyone else you go to for pottery/ceramics? 

I really enjoy the work of FCK Frederick Gautier, a French ceramic artist that uses textures, reliefs and inspiration from urban environments to create collections of work based on his immediate surroundings.

 

Do you draw inspiration from other Portland artists? Portland has a thriving creative community and we are always inspired by what other artists are creating in their spaces. The growth that Portland is experiencing right now is only going to keep creative businesses evolving and we are excited to be a part of that. 

 

Where are your top three places in Portland? 

Hiking in Forest Park,  wandering around the Japanese Gardens and having dinner at Tusk sum up a perfect day in Portland. 

 

What’s on your playlist right now? 

Rhye. Kendrick Lamar. Fleetwood Mac. Leon Bridges. Frank Ocean. SZA.

 

 

 

SHOP LITTLE GARAGE SHOP