IVY WEINGLASS — Soul Safari

"There are going to be some dark times, some real hard moments, because transformation is the shedding of the old into the new and of course it's going to hurt and feel scary and feel lost! BUT... that's kind of the best part. It's a really special place to be in, a really creative bright spot. Just be present and be aware of that, because a lot of inspiration and a lot of self-love is right in the eye of the storm."

Ivy Weinglass has worked as a prop stylist, production designer, set designer and, most recently, as a full-time ceramicist. Her path as a maker has taught her to value handcraft and the imperfections that appear in the process. Based in Brooklyn, she makes every incense burner, bowl, plate or pot by hand.

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What was your pivot point? Where were you then? Where are you now?

I had always created and made things from the time I was super young, but during my mid to late 20s I felt like I had lost my way. I just wasn't creating or feeling inspired. I thought career meant full time job doing something that was fine and do-able but nothing that was your passion. And then I had a really dark year. I just felt like I couldn't get on top of anything - money, work, love. Everything felt dark and overwhelming. So I asked my parents for my birthday to get me a ceramic lesson, hoping that it would help ground me and help me focus on something else. And then I just never stopped!

What's your one piece of advice for someone going through their own transformation?

There are going to be some dark times, some real hard moments, because transformation is the shedding of the old into the new and of course it's going to hurt and feel scary and feel lost! BUT... that's kind of the best part. You're vulnerable and raw, your senses are all on fire, you're feeling so strong in the fact that you're moving forward. It's a really special place to be in, a really creative bright spot. Just be present and be aware of that, because a lot of inspiration and a lot of self-love is right in the eye of the storm.

Are you following the path of a trailblazer or mentor?

My parents! My mom is such a trailblazer. She never lets any thought or moment or creative feeling go to waste, and has truly filled me from the time I was a baby with all my creativity. And my dad would do and has done anything and everything to help me succeed in my dreams. They are my biggest cheerleaders and also the best sounding board for any fear or worry I may have.

Where's your soul place?

I'm such a strange mix of a real, true homebody and someone who gets so excited and invigorated by travel and the experience of new things. Honestly my dream would be to be able to have my home come along with me where-ever I travel, so I can feel safe and grounded but still experience the world. Oh, and Iceland really had an effect on me. That place is actually filled with real magic and I need-to-need-to-need to go back.

If you could do anything in the world, what would you want to do next?

Travel travel travel travel! I want to travel and experience and see things I've never seen before! I used to be so scared of flying I would barely do it. I still am but I refuse to let that stop me! I want to go so many places and see so many things! (Photo: plants and crystals...nothing better.)

All images used with permission of Ivy Weinglass.