Wondrous Crane
Deephaven, Minnesota
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:
Emily: Wondrous Crane
Photo Courtesy: Emily Tani-Winegarden
Emily Tani-Winegarden began her training in ceramics at Eden Prairie High School and then graduated from St. Olaf College in 2016 with a studio art major and management studies concentration. Since graduating, Emily decided corporate America was not for her so she quit her 9-5 job to pursue her passion, ceramics. She now works in her home studio as a full-time ceramic artist. Every pot is wheel thrown on an electric potters wheel and made with B-clay from Continental Clay. The glaze is a mixture of matte mid-fire Cone 6 glazes and then some pieces have a pop of gold luster added and fired to Cone 018. The colors range from: blush, red, white, light blue, navy blue, mint green, teal, and grey.
Let us know more about your business name - how did you come up with it?
The name, Wondrous Crane, comes from a place of hope and finding those moments of joy. My grandparents met in a Japanese Internment Camp during WWII. They were both born in the U.S. but because of their Japanese ancestry were ripped away from their homes and families. They were dealt a horrible hand but managed to make a wondrous life together. They always taught me to make the most out of every situation and that is why I choose to make beautiful ware for people to enjoy everyday.
What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?
My pieces are all functional, simple, and open for interpretation. If these items can provide one blissful moment a day, then Wondrous Crane has done its job.
What makes your business unique to the industry?
Everything is handmade by me, I don't have a team of production makers. I am extremely mindful of how every piece is made and how it will bring my customers joy. I think the quality is what stands out about Wondrous Crane.
What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?
Being self-employed can be the most rewarding profession but also the most difficult. Setting my schedule and sticking to a timeline is a constant roadblock I run into. It's hard to turn work off when it seeps into everything. So just understanding that it's important to take a break when you need it and walk away from a project before it's complete has been the hardest challenge when running my own company.
Photo courtesy: Emily Tani-Winegarden
How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?
It's been a challenge. All of my art fairs have been canceled. I rely heavily on the income made and foot traffic from these in person events. I have had to rely on online sales for my income, which often ends up being a lot of computer work and extra time. I have been trying to build up my inventory for when we can hopefully have in person event again.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
The making process. I LOVE throwing pottery on the wheel and experimenting with new shapes, colors, and functionality. It's beyond therapeutic and freeing to be able to make something you and other people can use and appreciate every day.
What is your *must do* local activity?
We love the lake! We always try to go boating or swimming on Lake Minnetonka when the weather is nice. There are so many cool restaurants and area's to check out in downtown Wayzata or Excelsior and it's all connected by the water!
Where to find Wondrous Crane:
Website: https://www.wondrouscrane.com/
Instagram: instagram.com/wondrouscrane