Please introduce yourself and briefly describe your art.
Hello. I’m Carol Robin Crockett, AKA Crockett Tiles. I work in high-fired (2200 degrees) ceramics. I use slabs, coils, and hand-building. I make tile, vessels, and sculptures.
What led you to be an artist and to share your art in Auburn Old Town Gallery?
I was born into an artistic family in the Bay Area and have always made things with my hands. My first love was fabric and sewing, which I learned at the side of my beloved grandmother. She taught me about textiles of all sorts and the integrity of every stitch. I have also always been drawn to carving, which I learned from my dear father and grandfather. I carved bones, wood, sticks, soap, and whatever I could get my hands on. My father also taught me about architecture and the work of early twentieth-century California tile makers, such as Ernest Batchelder, Clay Craft, Malibu Potter, and others. When I was divorced in 2004, I wanted to continue staying home with my four children, so I started Crockett Tiles as a home-based business. I received a call from Louise at Auburn Old Town Gallery early last year. She encouraged me to apply, and I am so glad I did!
Where are you originally from?
I am a fourth-generation San Franciscan. I lived in the City much of my childhood but also spent time with my father in Sky Londa (Woodside) just south of San Francisco, and my Grandparents in Healdsburg, an hour or so north of the City.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a mother and have four children! Which I did!
Tell us about a compliment that you’ve received that you’re most proud of.
Eight years ago, when my eldest daughter was pregnant, we were driving looking for a daycare provider. She turned and looked at me and told me she wanted to quit her state job and stay home with her children so she could raise them the same way she was raised. Which she did!
What’s one thing that has made you smile recently?
I have many things that make me smile. This morning when I woke up, our Border Collie Hank was curled up on the end of the bed, with our dear all black cat Coal curled up on top of him.
