About Silica Studio 845

Daniela Rzepnicki (DANI)

Business Owner Potter Glass Blower Introduction

Daniela Rzepnicki is a multicultural Ceramicist and Glassblower stationed in Beacon, New York. Born to a Japanese/Polish father and a Mexican/Spanish mother, Dani’s Atypical American upbringing was cast in many conflicting colors, shapes, and textures. Never to be fully categorized, her art career follows a similar path, changing through visual and emotional inspiration and an inborn desire to break molds and barriers set before her.

-Experience and Education

Fixed on drawing as a child, Dani drew inspiration from the colorful pop creations of Lisa Frank and the dark feminine work of Jasmine Becket Griffith’s ‘Strangelings.’ Schooling at Rondout Valley High in Accord, New York, Dani discovered her passion for sculpting clay but fell head-over-heels for the balance & control the potter’s wheel demanded once in College. There, she began TA’ing. Teaching beginner students and friends that she would sneak into the studio, Dani grew to understand that she had a real skill for teaching and enjoyed helping her students gain clarity on the wheel. This discipline offered a community and allowed her access to different ways of life off campus, guided by her Professor Cristine Owens, to which Dani fondly attributes much of her life path. After graduating from DCC IN 2017 and working as a hired production potter for a family-run business, Dani moved to Beacon, NY, and began glassblowing professionally- also in production. She was taught and trained full-time by the team of Glass Blowers at Niche Modern Lighting for 4 years and counting.

-Business Focus and Ventures

In August 2021, Dani opened Silica Studio 845, her first LLC on Beacon Main Street. Silica offers an innovative approach to the studio potter’s world, granting easy access and low stress to the beginner experience of “taking up pottery”. With her very own take on the concept of “walk-in” classes, Dani aims to alter the public’s perception of potters and the respect the art form is given through close exposure to the public and open arms to anyone willing to try. There is also an emerging artists gallery/shop in the front of the studio that offers local makers the opportunity to be seen and appreciated by Main St. Strollers, widely focused on ceramics and glass.