My pottery story
For many years, I drove past a pottery studio near a friend’s house, and I always wondered what went on inside. I often talked about stopping by and signing up for a class. Yet, somehow it never happened, until my 35th birthday when that friend gave me a gift certificate to enroll in a class. Little did I know that I would instantly get hooked. From that first class, I was enthralled, and I spent many, many hours hanging out at the studio. It became like a second home for a couple years and I learned so much in those early years from my mentor, JW Shell and my friends at the studio. After learning the basics of handbuilding, I finally graduated to the wheel. Who knew that I could love this craft even more. Since learning to throw I seldom (basically NEVER) handbuilt anything again. There is something magical that happens when I throw. I can’t describe it, but if you have the same love for the wheel as I do, you would understand what I mean. I think if I only ever threw bowls for the rest of my life, I might be okay with that. Sadly JW retired after just a few years and later on passed away. I will always remember his lessons and how he created such a wonderful place for potters to learn. I have since belonged to another group studio in that same location and I can say that it is a special thing to be surrounded by others that love the same craft as you do. While we all had different styles there was always something to learn from those around you. I do miss those group studio days sometimes!
These days I have a studio at my home and I try to spend as much time as I can working on my craft- it is one of the things I love to do the most. I have often described getting caught up in the work as similar to therapy (but cheaper) for the feeling it instills in me when I’m in my zone. It is hard these days to spend as much time as I’d like to working in the studio. Running a business (my mother and I own and operate a casual and patio furniture store) takes up most of my time. But it’s comforting to know that the studio is always there, ready and waiting when I can carve out precious time in my schedule for my creative work.
From the beginning, I have always focused on making functional pottery with very clean designs. I like to keep a simple aesthetic in my designs. I love the idea that someone would use one of my bowls for their daily meals or a mug for their morning cup of coffee. Pottery has been around since the beginning of time, and maybe it’s the feeling of making something useful (from such a basic raw good such as clay) that gives me such a feeling of accomplishment.
Where to see and purchase my work
Since I am a hobbyist (with little spare time) I mainly show/sell my work during the Martin County Open Studio Tour every spring. I periodically also have work for sale in the boutique at The Palm Room Gallery in Sewall’s Point (the gallery run by the Martin Artisans Guild). I’m hoping to start a fall sale this year which will take place in my home studio here in Stuart, FL. To keep up with my latest comings and goings please visit my Facebook page here.
