Meet The Artists
In the early years of his life, Erik was diagnosed with Spinocerabellar Ataxia (ATLD1). In 2017, he met and hired Rachael as his personal caregiver. Rachael's lust for life quickly wore it's way into Erik's heart, and with her encouragement and guidance they attended a ceramics class together at a local community college.
Through trial (and much error) of various techniques for Erik to use, they found one that not only worked well for both artists, but also created beautiful, unique and functional works of art.
Not long after, Fondle These Bowls was born. The inspiration for the name came from a friend pointing out how tactile the bowls are, due to the textures derived from the patterns on the bowls (created by using repurposed women's shirts) and covered fully by glaze.
Now, in their (soon to be renovated) garage-based studio, they work to expand their body of art...no longer employer and employee, but partners.
Erik is a fun loving smartass who is willing to try just about anything once. He's always up for an adventure, loves video games and delicious food. His obsessions are cats, pineapple, non-sequiturs and shrimp.
Erik
Rachael
Rachael is a maker, mother, wife and Stoic. She enjoys collecting people by feeding them her delicious home cooked food. She is forever busy and will never run out of projects. She too likes videos games and is a smartass. Some of her favorite things include the smell of the ocean on the northern coast of California, her comfy bed and long hugs.
Their Mission
Fondle These Bowls is currently a home based ceramic business. Erik and Rachael's long term goals are to slowly expand the business until FTB is the largest art based employer of the differently abled, where people of every skill level and ability can find a place. Where they are given an opportunity to be a part of a team, to be valued for how they can contribute and feel a sense of pride at the end of a work day.
Not just employees, but part of the FTB team and treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Your support of Fondle These Bowls helps bring Erik and Rachael closer to this "aim high goal" and from the very bottom of their hearts they...
Thank You For Your Support!