The Million Dollar Idea (That Wasn’t)

The shell was taped to the wall when Gary (my husband) walked in. He stopped, stared for a beat, and said, “…Is that supposed to be there?”

“Yes,” I said. “It’s art.”

He nodded slowly. Didn’t say anything else. Just walked out of the room like he’d seen too much.

Now, in my defense, I had just read about that banana — yes, the banana — the one duct-taped to a gallery wall that sold for $6.2 million to a collector in Hong Kong.

It came with instructions to replace the banana every three days.

They say good art should make you feel something.

Well, that banana made me feel a lot:

Confused. Slightly outraged. Maybe even a little envious.

I grabbed a shell— a really good one. Handpicked. Beautiful. Creamy with just the right sheen. I slapped it on the wall with duct tape. Took a step back. 

Waited for my breakthrough moment.

And… Nothing happened.

I just stood there holding the roll of tape having an existential moment.

And I thought — I’m out here placing thousands of shells, one by one, like it was my job… 

While some guy tapes fruit to drywall and walks away with 6.2 million dollars...which is both thrilling and deeply concerning.

But the thing is: I’m not here to go viral. I’m here to become exceptional.

Not just technically — but in how I work, what I value, and what I leave behind.

In a world of gimmicks and mass production, I’m building something different.

Slower. Lasting. Honest.

Because I’m not interested in shock value. I’m interested in connection.

My work isn’t made to chase trends or outsmart the algorithm. It’s made slowly, with care — because I believe that matters. I believe in craftsmanship — not just as a skill, but as a mindset. In building things with meaning.

That’s what the Shellscapes® Ceramic Edition is all about.

Two women. Two sets of hands. Bringing something into the world that feels intentional — and quietly powerful.

Together, we’re building something lasting. Rooted in natural materials, shared values, and mutual respect for each other’s craft.

If you’re here for the long game — welcome.

We’re just getting started.

We launch this fall.

We can’t wait to share more soon.

Until then — thank you for being here.

Katarina