Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Kwee.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As early as I can remember, I’ve always had a draw towards creating– I loved the idea of building something out of almost nothing, something that simply started out as a concept. From doodling in my school books, to taking things apart and putting them back together (usually incorrectly, much to my parents’ distaste… sorry mom & dad :’) ), to handmaking little gifts for my family and friends, it’s something I’ve always held much passion for.
Despite that initial passion, I eventually underwent almost a decade of back and forth, experimentation, and attempts to find myself as an artist. I didn’t know who I was or who I wanted to be. I’d simultaneously go through phases of excitement and motivation towards art and moments of doubt, confusion, and dispassion. It wasn’t until March of 2020, at the height of the pandemic, that I decided to take my passion for art more seriously and sought to define myself as a creative. I had just graduated from UT Dallas and moved to Austin to work in marketing strategy at a finance firm, and I was feeling a lack of creativity in my own life. When the entire world shut down, I took that time to reprioritize my energy into something I truly loved. Every day after work, like clockwork, I’d change out of my button-down, make a cup of coffee, throw on my usual indie-rock playlist, and completely immerse myself into my art.
Fast forward to January of 2021, after a year of focusing on traditional mediums, I had this urge to combine a level of functionality with my art. This propelled me down a path of experimenting with resin, clay, metal, plaster, and more. I knew I wanted to create beautiful art that was useful in everyday life, and that eventually led me to establish CLARTHOUSE, a small business focused on handmade, functional pieces.
Since then, CLARTHOUSE has become such an integral aspect of my creative journey, and I’ve met so many other artists, creatives, and small business owners along the way. It’s been such a joy to truly engage myself in a community of like-minded individuals, and honestly, it’s been incredibly fulfilling. Everyone is beyond talented in their own regard, and seeing people around me pursue their dreams is one of the most exciting aspects of being a creative. I’m more than grateful that CLARTHOUSE has allowed me an opportunity to experience that fully.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Yeah, absolutely not (haha). It’s almost never a smooth road, which I’m sure anyone who’s ever done anything can agree with. There’s always going to be something to overcome or work towards, and for CLARTHOUSE, I’d say that the largest struggle was finding the courage to start, and then second to that, is the persistence to keep going even when things seem bleak or difficult. I can still remember a few nights last year when I wanted to give up– there were moments I felt so discouraged, which was always a hit to my mental state and my confidence as an artist. I’m really grateful for my personal support system during those times, which is something I encourage everyone to have– it can be hard to pick yourself up when you’re at your lowest, and the people around you can be a push to get back up. I definitely wouldn’t be here today without the love and support I’ve received from those around me– from my family, friends, and those I’ve met through CLARTHOUSE. Being a creative + small business owner will always come with its challenges and mental hurdles, but it’s also absolutely worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Within CLARTHOUSE, I have a focus on handmade jewelry, artisan keycaps, and home goods. More generally, the work I do intends to create a level of functionality in my art so that it can be used day to day. I think I’m most proud of the community I’ve cultivated with CLARTHOUSE – I’ve always made it a priority to provide an experience with each piece of art I deliver and to foster a personal relationship with everyone I meet. Overall, it’s important to me to ensure that every person knows their support means so much to me and that I truly wouldn’t be able to do it without them.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Huh, interesting. This isn’t something I’ve thought about before, but what instinctually comes to mind that coincides with this creative conversation is a memory I have of drawing at bookstores growing up. My parents used to drop me off at Barnes & Noble or at our local library almost every day after school, and I remember spending all my time doodling and taking inspiration from picture books, manga, and comics. I’d also spend quite a bit of time watching Detective Conan while I was there. I remember taking forever to finish the show because I’d pause every few minutes to draw the character on the screen (haha). I think I actually still have all those sketches in a manilla folder too. It’s so crazy to look back on now because the idea that I’ve always had this predisposition towards art as a whole starts to really sink in. It’s surreal to see how that’s played out in my life decades later, and I’m so glad I found a way to share my love of art with those around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: clarthouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarthouse/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@clarthouse
