Chelsea Erdner is the artist behind Bombabird Ceramics. Read on to learn how she found her way to ceramics and was able to create a full-time business that she loves.
Maker:
Chelsea Erdner, artist and owner of Bombabird Ceramics.
Neighborhood:
I live in Regent Square near the edge of Wilkinsburg.
Tell us about your brand and why it’s the best
Bombabird is a line of functional ceramics for you home. Since each piece is handmade, no two are the same and each piece tells it’s own little story.
What is your background and the story behind why you started Bombabird?
I was born on Mt. Washington a couple streets away from love, Pittsburgh. When I was about 5, my family moved to the South Hills but my Grandparents still lived in Greentree. Growing up, I was always traveling back and fourth from the suburbs to the city. I thought it was a great balance between the hustle and bustle of the city and the calmness a quiet back yard can bring. My father is an artist as well and always encouraged me to experiment with different mediums. I loved painting when I was young bur when I got to high school, I discovered clay. I worked with my high school art teacher (he was the best) who taught me the basics of how to wedge, throw, and reclaim clay. When it came time for college, I went to The Art Institute of Pittsburgh and received a bachelors degree in Graphic Design. While I loved the work I was doing as a full-time designer, I missed getting my hands dirty. Which is where Bombabird comes to life. I started taking classes at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and interned under their studio manger, Kyle Houser (who is also the best). He taught me how to do more of the heavy duty work when it comes to ceramics like loading kilns and mixing glazes. From there, I built up Bombabird at home on nights and weekends until I felt I was in a good place to take on work as a full-time ceramicist. Now, I get to spend my days working hard to make work I am proud of and doing something I love!
What one product do we need to know about and why?
While I love all the products love, Pittsburgh has, I am partial to the small angled trinket dishes. I love collecting all my favorite rings in one. Then I keep it on my sink so when I get ready in the morning, I can grab whichever ring I am feeling that day from the bunch.
In three words, Why do you love Pittsburgh?
So many opportunities.
How can people find out more about Bombabird?
For my website you can go to, bombabird.com.
For more daily updates and a behind the scenes looking at my process, you can follow me on Instagram at, @bombabird.
