Meet Sophia Keys | Owner & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sophia Keys and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sophia, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I didn’t start out wanting to be an artist, I actually wanted to be an archaeologist! I even went to Scotland to the University of Saint Andrews to study archaeology fresh out of high school. But, you know, life happens, and I came back home to Georgia. I spent the next couple years switching between colleges, trying to figure out what my life was going to look like as I still was holding on to the idea of being an archaeologist. However, my senior year began with a scheduling issue and all my classes were dropped. I scrambled to get my precious classes back but nope, they were full. I ended up taking some studio art classes, one of them being beginner’s pottery. Throwing on the wheel came quite naturally to me. My hands and body just know what to do when I’m at the wheel. After two more additional classes in ceramics, it was time for me to graduate. I had enough course work to qualify for a BA in art, so instead of staying in college any longer to finish the requirements for art history or archaeology, I graduated with an art degree and went to work building my business. It sounds crazy now, but I took 3 ceramic classes, graduated, and then got to work. Now wouldn’t it be something if thousands of years from now an archeologist finds one of my pieces and puts it in a museum of the future? The thought puts a smile on my face.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
From the very beginning I knew I wanted Apricity Ceramics to be a luxury brand focused on craftsmanship. However, I also wanted to create a brand that was a reflection of who I am as a person in a day-to-day capacity, which is truly a giant dirt ball who likes nice things. I make functional porcelain pottery all with 22k gold luster for this reason; my pieces are meant to be used but also meant to be treasured. I truly believe people should enjoy their small moments. You’ll catch me in the studio covered in dirt, sipping champagne, breaking pots that didn’t turn out perfect– and thoroughly enjoying myself. Certainly it’s not all champagne moments. I work long hours, my body is constantly exhausted, and I haven’t quite figured out how to take a real vacation yet. But I can honestly say there is nothing else in the world I would rather do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would hope any friends visiting me would wear loose fitting clothes, because my itinerary involves A LOT of great food and a lot of great drinks. Some favorites are El Tesoro, Leon’s Full Service, and Kimball House. A quick visit to the Carlos Museum, which houses the Southeast’s largest collection of ancient artifacts, would definitely be in the cards. To be clear, my besties would know that “quick visit” is a lie and we’re there all day. Also, visitors can’t come to Atlanta and not visit the Beltline. And while we’re walking, might as well pop into Golden Eagle for dinner, where you can certainly get lost into the night. So food, drinks, and a museum—basically my perfect life.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My success would not have been possible without the love and support of my friends and family. I can’t imagine where I would be without them! They are constantly motivating and dreaming the big dream with me. Also, Jack Canfield’s “The Success Principals” is such a wonderful book and was instrumental in my way of viewing the world. Can’t recommend the book enough!

Website: https://www.apricityceramics.com
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