My heart is happy when my hands are busy.
As a scientific-based artist, designer and craftsman I exist in a world of storytelling and creating environments. My DNA was formed by makers and craftsman. Memories are a mark of love and a supportive upbringing. I am one of the lucky ones. Taught that I could make anything with enough time and with enough ambition.
There’s a richness not just in the final product, but the connection to the process. That tête-à-têt dialogue between art and design; the push and pull of each love will forever be back and forth in me. Fiber artist, pigment maker, painter, ceramic artist, formulator, designer, photographer. Master of none, but how I love persisting in the land of my imagination.
Deep in my ethos there’s always been a very conscious thought of “the footprint” – ever since I was a little girl. Where do things come from and where do they go? What is it made of and what kind of energy and passion went into making it? My lovely Scottish great grandmother (Tatty) could look at a coat or dress in a store window, return home and make it for my grandmother. I loved hearing these stories and taught myself to do this with upholstery, making fixtures, designs.
The time and effort it takes to create should mean something and serve a purpose. Not to be discarded but cherished. Our collections should last and be made with fine materials, and you should know where it came from. I apply these ideals in my design work encouraging clients to look ahead. Not only does this stretch their investment in me but creates a connection to their own brand.
Narratives I enjoy creating are often drawn also from world and art history. History is always important and should be recalled in creating. It strengthens design concepts, creates meaning and perhaps remind you of a person or place you knew and loved. It’s never there by mistake. My mom used to say that when she makes something for someone she puts all her love and thoughts into them the whole time. Ever since then I’ve attached a character too and I’ve never looked back.
PROFESH CREDS Specializing in retail with such notable brands as Anthropologie, Elie Tahari, Jane Iredale, Kendo Brands (LVMH-Sephora) and Tumi. Photo Art Direction for runway, still-life and on-figure catalog and lookbook studio photography. 360 designer for the instore experience with windows, display and merchandising, tradeshow graphics and environmental design. Print design with luxury printing techniques and materials, deep on-press experience for direct mail, invitation, catalogs and lookbooks. Digital/UX, email, social media. A true lover of typography, logo and brand development and strategy.
![](https://maryritzel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CaliStudio-scaled-e1721263021200.jpg)
New Yorker (through and through)
Director | Designer | Craftsman
Lover of form. My heart is happy when my hands are busy. Hunting the beautiful and tickling the corner of your mouth.
AS SEEN IN MARIE CLAIRE
[ featured in the April 2017 issue ]
![Life Crush Feature](https://maryritzel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/LifeCrush-1024x707.jpg)
![Life Crush Article_Mary Ritzel](https://maryritzel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/LifeCrushFeature-869x1024.jpg)