Earlier this summer while visiting California, I kept spotting my pottery in my family member’s homes. Every time I caught a glimpse of a piece I had made, my heart jumped a little. Seeing my work existing in these intimate spaces warmed me and threw me a little off balance - a mug stashed in a kitchen cabinet, waiting until morning to be filled with coffee and held; a bowl piled high with fruit on a kitchen counter, a resting place for tomorrow afternoon’s snack; a vase holding dried flowers on a bedside table, the last thing seen as the lights dim each evening. All these pieces, front and center witnesses to lives being lived.
Ever since that trip, as I ideate and create pieces from scratch in my little Brooklyn studio, I think about all the homes my pottery will occupy, the human lives they’ll inhabit, the stories they’ll bear witness to and play part in - what an honor.
Maybe they’ll be a gift for a partner - a delightful surprise, a thoughtful act of love.
Maybe they’ll be a show of self-compassion - someone tenderly caring for themself.
Maybe they’ll be a small thank you - a considerate showing of gratitude for sharing space or a meal.
Maybe they’ll be a token of deep appreciation for taking care during a difficult time.
Maybe they’ll be a display of deep apology - a vulnerable olive branch in pot form.
I share my work for so many reasons - to heal, to spread delight, to bring a smile, to remind someone they’re beautiful in all their imperfection. Imagining these stories swells my heart with the beauty of humanity and the role my pottery gets to play.
May we all find healing through art and connection; may we each find our own ways to spread these joys to ourselves and each other.
My first workshop is happening THIS WEEKEND! in park slope, brooklyn. spots are super limited so email grace@cadywest.com to secure yours, if you want to join! details here:
I added a few new options for my mindful pottery subscription to give more choice for different price points and schedules. Sign up or gift to a loved one right this way.
Fresh from the kiln: sweet vases! They’re perfect for lighting matches on the bottom or holding a flowering bud.
Three images that inspired me on Pinterest this week:
And this week’s messy studio photo is a shot of me throwing off the hump. This is a technique where I center a large piece of clay on the wheel and make multiple smaller pieces off of the single piece of clay (apologies if this sounds v confusing there are videos on youtube if you want to see it in action!!)
I took this photo yesterday morning, when I was making a bundle of sweet bud vases out of deep brown clay (this one will turn out as dark as this floral bud vase once the whole process is complete!)
Thank you, thank you for being here and reading my words.