m e e t u s
raquel calleja
Raquel discovered ceramic when she returned to France after a long period overseas. She has had very eclectic background of work. First starting her career in marketing, then into the luxury management sector where she looked after hundreds of employees. Raquel has always been passionate about art and her encounter with ceramics was a real revelation. She was very immediately attracted by the extremely technical side of this discipline far from the clichés of dialogue with the clay. The unpredictability of the clay requires understanding and extreme patience. Each gesture must be repeated, to perfect the muscular memory, pottery requires an unceasing experimentation of clays, cooking enamels. Once the technique is mastered, clay becomes a great tool that allows everyone to express themselves. While cultivating a poetic universe Raquel transmits within rūsc the rigor and passion necessary for mastering ceramics.
Christopher Kerr
Chris arrived in Chamonix 12 years ago working in property. He then started his own property management company and whilst that has kept him busy, he was intrigued by his neighbour Raquel who was had just arrived, and creating her small ceramics studio. This curiosity then turned into being a full time student of Raquel’s, taking lessons 2 days a month that lasted for 1 year. His love continued, and quickly his garden shed that held all sporting equipment was turned into a fully working pottery studio. Now the partner of rūsc his skills have grown and loves now nothing more tan teaching and also creating his own pieces when time allows.
“ dare art … ”
said Raquel Calleja.
It started as a dream, but she realised it could come true when she met people passing through her small studio in Chamonix. Her dream to create something bigger, a space to host not only ceramics but a full range of artists. Photographraphy, fine art, sculpture and any other expressive outlet that would help people cultivate creativity.
5 years later that's what she did!!!!
A woman who loves collaboration, she decided not to embark on the rūsc journey alone. A kindred spirit and good friend, Chris Kerr, loved her ideas and drive. She invited him to join her in opening a studio.
Both based in Chamonix, they started to look for a unit that would cover all they wanted to achieve. It seemed like a hard task, but as is often the case when things are meant to be, they very quickly found the perfect space. The ingredients for rūsc were all lined up; it was the perfect time to make their dream a reality.
It is a Co-working space, hosting a mix of artistic disciplines. Raquel and Chris have created a space where people can share, be inspired and be free to express themselves. Most importantly it is place where everyone can feel supported in pursuing their creativity
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