GETTING TO KNOW OUR STUDIOS: EP9 - PERCH OBJECTS

STUDIO NAME

Perch Objects

Your Name

Amy Adams Ratliff

When/how/why was your studio founded?

2003 in Brooklyn! I worked for a lighting designer but was making ceramics in a shared studio, got my own studio in Red Hook and started selling wholesale. The community was hot, we all did the Brooklyn Flea and Renegade Craft Fair. My work was simple, white, scandi inspired functional ceramics. I've since transitioned away from ceramics to wood & brass and have been developing this line of decorative objects, wall hangings and lamps for about 3 years, in that time being a mostly full time mom in the Hudson Valley, another amazing community.

Who or what inspires your process?

Shapes, textures, proportions.

Daily ritual?

I have two studios, a small clean studio and a big dirty barn, both are on our property. So I spend a lot of time running between them and the house. In ideal times, my son goes to daycare (starting again soon!) for the morning and I get to work then, plus a little time while he's napping. Then family time for the afternoon and evening. I'm happiest when I'm working on new designs, it keeps my brain engaged. The pandemic has actually been a very creative time for me!

Favorite item in your studio?

Drill Press

Favorite nerd hobby or interest? 

Really studying maps when we're traveling or hiking. It drives my husband nuts.

Describe your studio+work in 3 words:

Spontaneous, Designy, Passionate

Biggest hurdle you've overcome thus far?

Running a production studio in Brooklyn (3 kilns), then having the studio wiped out by Hurricane Sandy. Chasing wholesale orders but knowing that it wasn't really profitable :)

Book, movie, song, or meal that describes your studio ethos?

WNYC

Are you launching any new products? Or have something exciting you want us to share?

My new wood lamps are really unique. Mostly white, with nice texture, super handmade feeling and pretty big.