Staff Spotlight: Ripley Sonata
Each month we highlight one of the incredible staff members that makes the magic happen at Austin Creative Reuse. This month, it’s Retail Reuse Specialist, Ripley Sonata (they/them). Even though Ripley joined ACR late last year, they’ve been shopping with us since we were at our old location at the Linc! They’re immensely talented and artistic, and their impeccable music taste is always bringing something new to our PA airwaves at the center. Say hi to them the next time you’re at ACR!
How did you find Austin Creative Reuse?
Sometime in 2015, I was waiting at the bus stop in front of the old location with my best friend when it started to rain so we went in to take cover. We were so happy we stumbled upon it & it quickly became an important weekly tradition of ours to go there.
What’s your favorite part about working at ACR?
Getting to spend time around my coworkers and our regular customers who have become my close friends and my community. I love learning about the interests they have & art they make. The most fulfilling part of the work I do is going on the hunt for specific items that our shoppers are looking for and the joy they experience when I am able to find it. I also enjoy getting to use my creativity skills to help people troubleshoot and plan for their project ideas.
Are you an artist, crafter, or maker? What mediums do you work with?
I am an experimental musician and sound designer. My instrument of choice is the bass but I enjoy playing drums, guitar, keyboards, recording vocals and creating musical instruments of my own. I am also an illustrator, animator and filmmaker. I am currently working on a new diy project with my partner that will involve all of these mediums.
What do you do when you’re not working at ACR?
I like going on hours long walks thru the city with my headphones, writing about books and music, watching movies and documentaries, finding items for my various collections, sunbathing in my studio with my two cats and making music/diy recording with my partner & friends.
What’s the coolest thing you found in donation mountain?
I once found a decaying old journal written by someone in the early 1900s. I wish I held onto it! But I’m sure it found a good home.
Where can people find out more about your work?
If you are interested in seeing or hearing any of my work - come and find me! I’m not a big social media/website person but I will have tapes of my new music project to hand out soon.
In the meantime - you can check out the incredible music my partner (Christopher Lopez/Lizzie Page) makes here.
