Being the potter that I am.

I will be 40 at the end of this year. I'm finding myself very self-reflective, I don't know it is because I am approaching "that age." Or the fact that I may spend too much time alone. Whatever the case- I am {finally} coming to terms with who I am as a person. And part of who I am, is the fact that I am a self-employed, full-time potter.

I often think about being "successful," and what that means. It varies so greatly from person to person. I used to believe that it meant being published in the pottery magazines. Or getting invited to gallery shows. And that is what it means to some potters. And I love those potters. They provide loads of inspiration and I'm lucky enough to own beautiful pottery from some of the people I admire.

But.
I am not that potter.
And I am okay with that.

I make pottery that is accessible to people outside of the academic/gallery world of pottery. I make pottery that when people see me at a craft show, they stop and say "it's so girly!" or "it's so pretty!" I think I used to be offended by that. But honestly, I would not be a full-time potter if it wasn't for that reaction. It is that reaction that brings them into the booth or browse the etsy shop.

And I appreciate that so much.

Sure, I am not be the most advanced potter. I am not pushing any new, revolutionary techniques. I am not exploring any unknown glaze chemistry.

I'm just making pretty pots.
And I am so lucky to be doing just that.


It is important for aspiring potters to know that you don't need an MFA or a residency* in a well-regarded facility. You can be a potter without those things. To be a potter, you need to make pots. {Make LOTS of pots- practice your craft. Learn to make a good pot. Learn to fire a kiln. Learn how to mix glazes. Thank the internet for youtube videos, how-to articles and potters willing to share.} To make a living as a potter, you need to make pots that people want in their life. And for people to want them in their life, they have to know you exist.

Make pots.
Make LOTS of pots. 
Show your pots to people.
Show your pots to LOTS of people.

*I am in no way disregarding MFA programs or residency. I believe that they are useful for development as an artist. It never was a real option in my life. And maybe it never will be. Or maybe it will. Who knows? My point is simply that you don't need it. You can make good pots without it. If your goal is to sell pots so that you can pay your bills, you can do it. It is not as romantic as it sounds. But, I've got to say, it is a pretty life.