Like many fulltime potters, this is my obsession. And this is my business. I love the process of making pottery, marketing it, selling it, using it. This stuff starts in the ground and eventually gets created into something useful or just plain pretty. What else has been around for a gazillion years and can still be found intact and for the most part usable? Just think… some of these pieces I make will be on earth for a gazillion years too!!
My shopping ‘spree’ consists of going to a couple ceramic supplies stores and coming home with hundreds of pounds of stoneware clay and maybe a couple tools that I don’t really need but cant live without.
Each piece I make in my tiny garage studio starts with an idea. Sometimes I design things in my sleep – sometimes I ‘see’ things while I’m driving (maybe a little distracted driving…) or Im inspired by other’s ideas.
I have 5 wheels, 3 of them ancient, a 35 year old Cress electric kiln, tools galore, all stuffed into half of our garage that I share with my husband and the washer and dryer.
I mostly wheel throw but hand build as well. During a busy push – before a show - I spend about 6 to 10 hours per week day in my studio along with my two Aussies to keep me company. I sell mostly at art shows but I’m attempting to sell on my website as well… so far, I know that I am much better at making pottery than creating a website.
I fire at cone 5 after bisque firing at cone .04. The entire firing process takes about 4 days total – the firings are usually 10 to 12 hours – twice – then 10-12 hours cooling time after each firing. I unload the kiln, sand the bottoms if need be (no one likes a rough bottom), then photograph pieces and move on to the next batch.
So there you have it – “My Process” for anyone who want to know.
I love my job! I will only retire if I can no longer physically manage to do it… I wish I started sooner!