Many of my pots are what some, more precise, potters may consider ‘seconds’ - pots that have small imperfections but are still functional. Of course I keep standards for the pots I sell, but over time I’ve mastered the art of finding beauty in the imperfect - and making an intentional practice around imperfection.
There’s something healing about pinching clay into a form that will be touched and used by other people. Surface textures and wonky handles are little reminders that an imperfect human made this for you to use and admire, to bring you peace and delight. My wonky pots are beautiful because my fingers pinched their buttery, uneven texture and attached the handles just a bit askew. No one else can make a piece quite like my hands can - how special is that?
So the next time you’re filling your vase with fresh market flowers and glimpse the indent my thumb made on the surface or you pick up a mug to find the handle a bit aslant, I hope you think of my fingers, smoothing the clay ever so slightly awry. A small nod to the beauty of imperfection.
May the intentional wobbles in my pottery remind you that imperfections can be charming, and they’re what make you a whole, beautiful human.
You can add to your collection of imperfect pottery right this way. Free shipping for my newsletter subscribers with code PINCHPOTS.
This past week was a lot and I’m feeling a little off kilter, so I’m starting each day this week with a quick meditation. Yesterday I did ‘Calm During Crisis’ and today I tried ‘Time Just for You’ - it’s felt nice to give myself five minutes of peace and reflection. Join me?
This morning as my pup and I strolled around the neighborhood, I realized we were passing the old home of Patti Smith. I felt an overwhelming sense of lift, grateful to be living among creative spirits as I find my meandering way. It also prompted me to pick out this book from the shelf and get lost in it for the tenth time.
Thank you, thank you for being here. xx