When Bridal Gowns meet Ceramics…

Have you ever thought that your Bridal gown could be a piece of Art? We have met an incredible artist, based in Virginia. Her name is Erika Hitchcock and she is the founder and ceramic artist of Stone wear ceramics, handmade in the USA. Here is the exclusive interview for Monaco Woman to explore her artistic world.

Can you tell us the story about your first ceramic wedding gown?

I created my first ceramic dress while learning more about the medium over 10 years ago. I have always had a love for clay but while taking a class to extend my knowledge, I decided to create a dress. She was about 12” tall and very simple in her form and texture. I took two slabs of clay (flattened pieces) and adhered them together to form a simple young girls dress. I fell in love with the idea but knew I had so much more to learn about form, texture, and details.

How long does it take the process to create a StoneWear ceramic artwork? Can you tell us something more about the material you use, the sizes of the artworks and the emotions behind and inside them?

The process of creating a StoneWear Ceramics gown is very time consuming and has taught me so much about patience. Most gowns take me from 25-35 hours over 6-8 weeks to create. This time includes sculpting, bisque firing, glazing, glaze firing, and finishing applications such as beading, rhinestones, pearls, etc. Every part of my process is done by hand, down to the smallest details and beading; each one glued one by one in place. I use stoneware grade clay. StoneWear Ceramics is a durable, dense type of clay that has a texture similar to rock or stone when fired. It is less porous than other clays, such as earthenware or other low-to-mid-fire clay bodies, which means that stoneware is naturally waterproof and can withstand higher temperatures. It is a versatile, high-quality material that lasts, making it an ideal material for ceramic art, sculpture, and pottery. Stoneware clay has become the star ingredient (and namesake) of StoneWear Ceramics custom wedding dress replicas.

After sculpting, drying, bisque-firing, and glazing your ceramic dress, the next steps take some experimentation and careful research. Each gown requires different finishing techniques to achieve the “look” of the original wedding dress — whether that means beading, sequins, rhinestones, embroidery, etc. With additional time and sincere care, I replicate the special details of each dress to highlight the impact, personality, and beauty of the original design. This can take an additional 5-10 hours to perfect, but in that time, I strive to capture the qualities of your gown that you fell in love with from the start. A StoneWear Ceramics gown is approx. 12.5” tall and 6-7”in depth. Depending on the gown, these sizes can increase or decrease. I have also been commissioned to create gowns just a bit smaller, so there is flexibility with the size. I am very honoured to be commissioned to create a ceramic gown replica. The beautiful stories that accompany the request are always so inspiring and special. Gowns have been made to represent anniversaries, special occasions, and weddings. I recently received a request to have a uniform created to celebrate the retirement of a military official. Any occasion that requires a very special dress is a great reason to have the gown sculpted in stone. So many memories to celebrate within each piece. In many cases, a special dress and the memories it represents are just as important now as it was on that special day. StoneWear Ceramics dress replicas meticulously recreate every detail of the gown, setting one of her most treasured moments in stone. With just a snapshot of her dress, StoneWear Ceramics creates an heirloom-quality, personalized piece that captures the spirit of your special day and celebrates the love story you both share.

Is the Wedding gown the most requested item or do you also have requests for other occasions?

I create wedding gowns but also any special occasion dress. Any gown that has significant meaning is a wonderful reason for a StoneWear replica.

Is there anyone of your beautiful creations that has stolen your heart?

I always find it extremely thoughtful when I hear from those seeking a StoneWear Ceramics wedding dress replica as an anniversary gift for their wife. The devotional stories they share are inspiring, and it’s an absolute joy to help them celebrate with a personalized, one-of-a-kind gift and create a heartfelt gesture that will last a lifetime. Another love story that stole my heart was a generation gown that spanned three generations of women in one family. The wedding gown was created by a mother for her daughter, the daughter wore the gown and then it was handed down to her niece to wear for her wedding. Such a beautiful story of tradition and love in one family. I was commissioned to create two gowns; one for the daughter and one for the niece, each capturing the beautiful bride.

Why do you suggest fixing a dress as an eternal memory?

The bridal gown is the most exquisite form a dress can take — and also one of the most personal. Though there are many interpretations of the bridal gown as a symbol, to me, it embodies concepts of hope, love, and future promise. It represents a profound choice to transition from a singular, individual existence to something larger and more open; a collective life and a new chapter. It marks the ability to step forward, together, and forge a new path in the long line of legacy, creating a vast collection of new hopes, ambitions, and dreams. For me, the wedding dress represents change—in its purest and most powerful form. It celebrates a promise that, in this world, you will never be alone. Brides spend most of their lives dreaming of their wedding day and the gown that will adorn them. Once the wedding is over, the gown goes into the box not to be viewed or worn again. Having a StoneWear Ceramics gown replica is a wonderful way to always have their gown on view symbolizing their love story. If you would like to add any other information or thoughts feel free, absolutely. I dedicate my work to my brother who was my best friend. A portion of StoneWear Ceramics proceeds will be donated to local groups and organizations that bring social opportunities to adults struggling to find normalcy and companionship while living with mental illness. I hope to bring some encouragement to those affected by these illnesses, to offer support to those feeling isolated and alone, and to remind others that love is something stronger than stone and because of that strength, it’s never too late to clear the canvas and make the choice to start something new.

Your Bridal Gown or a very special Dress can become a piece of art in stone by the amazing artist Erika.
Impress a memory forever in ceramics.