Demetria Chappo | Where Women Create
Ben Ashby
Demetria Chappo is a Brooklyn-based ceramic artist making home objects, decor, wall hangings and sculptures with with an emphasis on intricate designs and universal symbolism. Originally from Louisiana, she received a BFA in Acting from the University of Utah and currently lives on the Columbia Waterfront of Red Hook, Brooklyn. Her love of clay was inspired by her mother. She has exhibited her work in galleries and sells in shops across the US and internationally.
Website: www.demetriachappo.com Instagram: @demedemedeme
"I grew up in the lush South. A Louisiana native, I spent much of my youth surrounded by beautiful plants and creative parents who owned and operated a horticulture design firm. My love of ceramics come from my mother, who received her BFA in ceramics. My home in Louisiana has always had fresh flowers. In many ways, growing up with such beautiful natural environments taught me to look to my surroundings for inspiration. So, each morning when I walk to my Brooklyn office and stroll past the vibrant orange sand, rich brick reds, and stony grays of the nearby cement mixing company I find I’m still inspired by my surroundings."
"When I began my college career, I moved to the mountains of Salt Lake City, Utah. With new surroundings I found new inspiration. My undergraduate studies were in acting and theatre, and I had always dreamed of being a professional actress. While in Utah, I started taking my first art classes as electives. I would often drive up to Bountiful—north of SLC—where my university had an enormous studio and gas kiln, slowly I began to learn about ceramics."
"When I was five-years-old, I went to visit my godmother in New York City. Even at such a young age, the energy that the city held excited me. So many creative spirits and so much possibility. In first grade I acted in my first play, and from then on I knew that after college I would move to New York City. When I graduated, I did. I moved to New York with the hope of finding my group of fellow actors. Instead, after finding a few acting jobs here and there, a temp job led to a career in the beauty industry. I became disillusioned, and disheartened by the fact that I never found my theatre group."
"I worked in the beauty industry for years as a marketing agent. It was an enjoyable experience that taught me much about how to build a brand and market my products. All things considered, it always lacked a sense of passion. I remember walking down the street and experiencing a complete crisis of character. It was around 2008, so the rumblings of a downturn in the economy had me questioning my place."
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