POTTERY IS FOR making peace with where you're at.
Everything starts as a mysterious blob of uncertainty.
Everything starts misshapen and unknown
A first meeting over drinks in the west village extended into dinner and, years later, an elopement at city hall.
A run-down apartment the landlord can’t fill with tenets, turned into my dream space with some paint and years of creative, slow design additions.
A late-night documentary about an animal rescue that would bring the sweetest furry face into my life.
These small, unknown moments have turned into the most beautiful parts of my life, with hard work and a little trust in the process.
A piece of pottery always starts as a blob of earth, pulled from the ground, finding its way to my studio. Through a long, messy process it’s formed into something beautiful, functional, and embedded with energy. The process can feel fraught and ugly, with missteps and cracks, but embracing where it is in the process and slogging through the mess has always gotten it to where it’s going.
In my social work practice, I would always start with where the person in front of me was at - not where they were striving to go, not where I hoped for them to be, but where they were at that moment.
When I’m feeling frustrated with where I’m at, I visualize my path in terms of a piece of pottery in the making. Placing myself on a path of growth gives my heart a sense of peace, calms my mind knowing that it’s all part of the process. I may be feeling fragile and unformed, but continuing through the fire will move me toward a space of refinement. The outcome may look different than I imagined, but will be beautiful in it’s own way.
LAST CALL for March Clay Club! It’s springy and probably the most unique piece I’ve ever made and I have three spaces left!! Sign up here with code CLAYCLUBLOVE (and if you’re bk local use ILOVEBK for free pickup) or email me <3
I just sent out the first batch of sweet signature jugs for paid subscribers! You can always become a paid member and get your very own jug here.
My dad told me about a steak he had at a supper club long ago in Hayward, Wisconsin. Last weekend, I dined at the exact same supper club in Bushwick, Brooklyn. How cool!!! Taking him back in May.
Thank you, thank you for being here. xx