All Kinds of Art
Collage by Morris
Anamaria’s Creative Spring
Meet Anamaria Morris, the creative force behind All Kinds! Anamaria brings her artistic vision to life through ceramics, illustration, collage, and even book design. As the cherry blossoms paint Brooklyn pink and spring fills the air with optimism, we caught Anamaria enjoying a well-deserved cup of tea and dove into her world of inspiration, creative process, and the upcoming projects that have us excited.
Anamaria Morris photographed at her local bodega holding her tulip pieces. Image by David Kaminsky
Hi Anamaria, how are you?
I’m well! Just sitting down to a cup of tea and the new Jessica Pratt album so I can’t complain.
What’s your current mood?
Springtime usually makes me feel lighter and a bit more hopeful. Not necessarily about anything in particular. There is a lot to feel low about in the world so all of the blooming flowers and the change in light are helpful in contributing to some cheerfulness (and I’m also more motivated to go for long walks which always lifts the mood).
We have been huge fans of your work for a long time! For those who don’t know you, could you tell us what you do exactly?
Oh, thank you! Under the name All Kinds I make objects for the home like candleholders, vases, clocks and decorative pieces. Under my own name I work in book design and make collages. Sometimes the two crossover which is always fun.
Collages by Morris
Tell us about your life in Brooklyn? Have you always lived in a city?
I have always lived in cities except for a year in college when I lived in a small town in Vermont. I live near Prospect Park in Brooklyn and spend lots of time walking there with my dog Wendy. The cherry blossoms are out right now and I love catching glimpses of pink through the trees and seeing how delighted everyone is by their beauty.
Is your studio Brooklyn-based?
Yes! It’s in my home. My husband built a bookshelf to divide a room into our two little studio spaces (he’s a composer so I often have a nice live soundtrack to work to).
Roses made in collaboration with CENTÁ photographed by Hannah Rosa Lewis-Lopes.
You exert in many creative fields: illustration, collage, books design and ceramics. Did we forget to mention anything?
I think that covers it! Although I do aspire to someday become an excellent tap dancer.
Could you tell us about All Kinds and how it all began?
Like so many people in 2020, I was in need of distraction and something to keep my mind and my hands busy. I had a consistent practice of making a collage a day but when lockdown set in, it became harder to go out and source materials to work with. I was missing the physicality of my collage work and turned to working with clay. The first piece I made was a cake slice candleholder in October of 2020. I know lots of libras (including myself) and wanted to make something to mark the season.
Morris photographed with cherry blossoms and a cake she made in 2021 to be worn as a headpiece. Image by David Kaminsky.
What’s the story that lies behind the name, All Kinds?
I used to say the phrase “it takes all kinds” a lot when someone did or said something odd so the name comes from that phrase. I think I got it from one of my favorite movies, The Apartment. I like that it sort of gives me the freedom to make all kinds of different work under the same name. I didn’t want to be limited or pigeonholed into one thing. I enjoy exploring new mediums and techniques.
How would you say nature impacts your work?
Greatly! I’ve always been flower obsessed and love to surround myself with them. Because they come in so many different colors and shapes, I find them to be an endless source of inspiration. I like that different kinds remind me of certain times of year or places I’ve been and that different types of flowers can feel like they have different personalities. I often find myself anthropomorphizing them (Fantasia had a big impact on me as a kid).
Mirrored ribbon vases photographed by Hannah Rosa Lewis-Lopes and Chain of naked ladies piece. Image by the artist.
What inspires you the most (both in daily life and in work)?
To be honest, the first thing that comes to mind for daily inspiration is Wendy, my dog. She lives her life in the moment which I could definitely practice doing more. When it comes to my work, a huge part of my process is gathering imagery. I love looking through books, old magazines and searching online museum collections for inspiration. I find it helpful to have a bunch of things saved that sparked my interest for times when I’m in a creative lull.
What’s your favorite brand and why?
PG Tips! They make my favorite black tea. It’s the only caffeine I consume and I look forward to my morning and evening cup every day.
Tulip pieces photographed by Hannah Rosa Lewis-Lopes
What’s your favorite flower and why?
The answer to this question probably changes weekly for me but at the moment it’s a tie between tulips and naked ladies because I’ve been seeing so many in my neighborhood (and making lots too). Speaking of anthropomorphizing, I recently discovered a flower called “dancing girl impatiens” that look just how their name suggests they do.
What’s the project you are the most proud of?
Hmm I’ve never thought about that…maybe my May Flowers candelabra that I made last spring for a little show with Janie Korn’s candles. I had a very specific vision for the piece and it was technically challenging to make come to life so I’m just glad it all worked out.
May Flowers candelabra. Image by the artist.
What have you been working on lately?
I’ve been making and painting lots of tulips! And am really enjoying getting into make mobiles.
Anything new coming in 2024?
I’m working on a new series of porcelain vases for this summer that I am very excited about.
Hand modeled and painted Bleeding Hearts Mobile. Image by Morris and All Kinds matchbooks designed by Morris.
Anamaria Morris, Designer & Creative Director of All Kinds
www.all-kinds.shop - www. anamariamorris.com
@all___kinds - @awwnamaria - @daily_cut