Meet Ann Hatch | Ceramic Artist

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

Hi Ann, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
After starting a nationally recognized nonprofit, an artist-in-residency program for 15 years called Capp Street Project in San Francisco, and then starting a high school semester art program in Napa called Oxbow School for 25 years, I opened a unique retail store working with artists to make useful, small editioned object called Workshop Residence for 9 years. Then covid came….

I realized I wanted to stay involved in something artistic that I could manage myself, so I now have a business making porcelain, hand-painted, personalized dog and cat bowls. I also make editions of themed plates (owls, birds, frogs,..) which I throughly enjoy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started making dog bowls out of porcelain for friends and more friends asked for them. So I thought I would charge for them.
Now, I get quite a few orders from word of mouth through referrals. It’s a growing business..The plates are sold at Sue Fisher King in San Francisco, Carter&Co in St Helena, and Nest in Amenia, New York. I do commissions for people if they want a set of plates. I never know who is going to call and place an order. I totally enjoy doing this work and it’s within my capabilities at this point in my life. I make customized dog and cat bowls because I get such joy when people send me the photos of their animals and when I see their wonderful little faces!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve lived in San Francisco all my life.It’s a pioneer town that is always changing. From the Gold rush, which set the character of the city in many ways, to the Dot com/Tech industry thru earthquakes and financial downturns. There are at least 9 neighborhoods. I am actually still discovering some.. Glen Park and Dog Patch/ Minnesota street . San Francisco is only 7×7 , but full of surprises! Clearly,The gay and trans community is a big part of the culture.
I marvel how some areas have changed , downtown is over, the Mission and Sunset are vibrant. The neighborhood shopping streets like Fillmore, Chestnut, 24th street have great energy, restaurants full of people. farmers markets are sprouting up all thru the city. It’s an expensive city, but you can discover secret bargains , I still love walking thru Chinatown!
There is something in SF for everyone!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m inspired by all the artists that I have worked with over the many years. Their creativity was so passionate and focused . They also appreciated the fact that I was encouraging them at a meaningful time of their careers. They inspired and encouraged me to keep going (without a lot of training) People recognized my intention and were willing to be helpful and supportive. It gave me great courage to try things that have never been done before. I enjoy and am always available to mentor and share what I’ve learned with young people or startups..

Website: https://www.annhatchdesign.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annhatchdesign/

Other: annhatch@gmail.com

Image Credits

Ekaterina Izmestieva – for portrait of me
The others I took with my Iphone