Shaping Your Pottery with Nic Torres – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Shaping Your Pottery, Julianne Roush shares her inspirational journey as a full-time potter. She discusses how positive quotes on her pottery helped her through personal struggles and connected with others, the influence of mentors and the internet on her career, and the evolution of her unique style inspired by carnivals, circuses, and old theaters. Julianne highlights the importance of making art you love, finding your unique voice, and the challenges she faced transitioning from business to pottery. She also gives practical advice for aspiring potters on embracing personal style, leveraging social media, and the business aspects of pottery. You can learn more about Juliann by checking out her instagram https://www.instagram.com/juliannroush/

Get your 53 themes by clicking this link shapingyourpottery.com/53themes

00:00 Introduction and Motivation 00:35 Early Pottery Journey 02:28 Positive Quotes and Self-Healing 04:56 Artistic Inspirations and Style 13:35 Transition to Full-Time Potter 19:33 Business Insights and Advice 21:15 Finding Your Unique Voice 25:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join us for a captivating conversation with the extraordinary ceramic artist, Courtney Segrest. We get an intimate look into Courtney's artistic journey, from her initial struggles with clay to her ongoing explorations in pottery. Listen in as she explains how her MFA experience honed her creative pace and fostered an essential habit of playfulness in the studio. Discover how she navigates a busy schedule while still nurturing this vital aspect of her creative process. You'll also learn about the importance of repetition and pushing oneself in creating exquisite pottery pieces.

In the second part of our discussion, Courtney shares her unique artistic process and how she discovered her distinctive voice in pottery. Learn about her unique technique of grounding and using senses to enhance the pottery experience. We also discuss the intricate chain embellishments on her pottery pieces, a result of patience, repetition, and a willingness to learn from trial and error. Courtney encourages us to find our unique voice in pottery, providing insights on how to evaluate our work and the importance of having fun while creating. Join us for this inspiring episode as we uncover the fascinating world of pottery with Courtney Segrest. You can learn more about Courtney by checking out her Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/courtnise/

Top 3 Value Bombs:

1. The Power of Repetition: The podcast illuminates the significance of repetition in crafting pottery. It highlights that repeating the same process over and over again, while time-consuming, is essential in mastering the art and creating stunning pieces. This principle is embodied in Courtney's unique chain embellishments in her pottery, which were a result of patience, repetition, and learning from mistakes.

2. Discovering Your Unique Voice: The podcast sheds light on the importance of finding your unique voice in your craft. Comparing yourself to other artists can be unhelpful, and distance between yourself and the art can be beneficial. It shares Courtney's journey and the steps she took to find her unique voice in pottery, encouraging listeners to evaluate their work, have fun in the process, and never give up on ambitious ideas.

3. The Importance of Play: Courtney emphasizes the importance of maintaining a playful approach in the studio. She believes that play is an essential part of her work and encourages artists to incorporate it into their process. She also shares her method of incorporating play into her busy schedule and how it aids in developing new ideas. She advises getting the hard tasks done first, leaving time to experiment and explore new concepts, thus ensuring a balanced and enjoyable creative process.

and so much more

Resources:

The Questions we ask will determine how our pottery will look like that's why I created a Free 15 questions to help you discover your voice template go grab it here www.shapingyourpottery.com/questions

Take this Free Quiz to see how close you are to finding your pottery voice click here to take the quiz shapingyourpottery.com/quiz 

Support The Shaping Your Pottery Podcast 

Have you ever held a piece of pottery and marveled at the skill and creativity required to transform a lump of clay into an object of beauty? Imagine that same object, weaponized, and the story it could tell. That's the fascinating path we travel with our guest, PJ Anderson, in today's episode. From her art school days, PJ shares how she cultivated her craft, learning important techniques like glaze and slip chemistry and the invaluable role her network of potter friends played in shaping her as an artist.

Ever seen a six-and-a-half-foot, four-hundred-pound mech armor robot sculpture? PJ talks about her journey in creating this massive piece, a symbol of her skill, precision, and boundless creativity. But PJ's work is not just about size and scale; it's about weaving narratives into the everyday, inspired by her studies in anthropology. She shares how she has weaponized everyday objects, transforming them into powerful cultural statements.

As we round off our conversation, PJ addresses the significant topic of accessibility in the medium of pottery. She critiques the elitism often associated with art school education and shares her personal struggle to overcome art school-instilled biases in her ongoing journey to democratize the art of pottery. From her story, you'll gain a fresh perspective on pottery, an inspiration to continue creating, and the encouragement to make loud, meaningful statements with your creativity. You can learn more about Pj by checking out her instagram @pjandersonceramics

Top 3 Value Bombs:

1. The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of continuous creation in the art world. PJ Anderson urges aspiring artists to push beyond their self-doubts and fears and to continue producing their art. By expressing their creativity and making 'louder' statements through their art, they can push boundaries and express their unique artistic voices.

2. Anderson also explores the concept of 'weaponization' in her art, transforming everyday objects into symbols of expression and critique. This unique perspective demonstrates how artists can infuse deeper meaning and social commentary into their work, elevating it beyond its aesthetic value.

3. The episode also tackles the elitism in art education, highlighting how biases can be unconsciously instilled in artists during their education. Anderson discusses her personal journey to overcome these biases, emphasizing the importance of making art more accessible and inclusive for everyone, regardless of their educational background.

and there is so much more 

Resources:

Take this Free Quiz to see how close you are to finding your pottery voice click here to take the quiz shapingyourpottery.com/quiz 

The Questions we ask will determine how our pottery will look like that's why I created a Free 15 questions to help you discover your voice template go grab it here www.shapingyourpottery.com/questions

Join The Shaping Your Pottery Newsletter By Clicking This Link shapingyourpottery.com/newsletter

This episode features an intimate conversation with Lucy Be Phillips, a potter known for her slip-decorated teapots and unique ceramic pieces. Lucy shares her journey from studying sculpture and feeling unfulfilled by conceptual art to discovering a profound connection with pottery. Early fears of surface decoration led to years of focus on form and function until her experiences, particularly an influential stint in Italy and an introspective period while decorating her tiny house, encouraged her to experiment with color and design. Lucy discusses the discipline learned from various pottery practices, including wood firing and apprenticeships, and how these experiences shaped her approach and technique. Teaching pottery has allowed Lucy to reflect on her process and learn from students, underscoring the importance of embracing one's unique voice. She highlights the significance of patience in selling one's work, finding the right market, and the transformative power of recognizing and pursuing one's true artistic direction. Lucy’s story is a testament to the idea that the journey of a potter is long, filled with learning, personal growth, and the continuous discovery of one's voice within the craft. You can learn more about Lucy by checking out her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lucy_be.ceramics/

00:00 Welcome to Shaping Your Pottery: The Journey Begins 00:14 Discovering Pottery: Lucy B Phillips' Story 00:24 Overcoming Fear: The Art of Surface Decoration 03:50 From Mud Australia to Italian Mastery: A Potter's Evolution 10:42 Embracing Whimsy: The Creative Process Unveiled 15:43 The Business of Pottery: Making a Living from Your Craft 17:14 Teaching Pottery: Sharing Knowledge and Finding Joy 20:32 Finding Your Voice: The Path to Unique Pottery 27:48 Final Thoughts: Embracing the Pottery Journey

In this podcast episode, the guest is Annika Rae, a talented potter renowned for her ocean-themed pottery. The episode delves into Annika's artistic journey from being a high school English teacher to a successful potter. Annika discusses her unique designs, inspirations, and the challenges she has faced. She shares insights on maintaining productivity and balance, navigating imposter syndrome, and the importance of personal evolution in refining one's artistic voice. The episode also explores the concept of authenticity and self-discovery in art, emphasizing the importance of creating pieces that truly reflect the artist. Annika also touches upon the significant role of social media in her artistry. You can learn more about Annika by checking out her Instagram @anniraecreates

Top 3 Value Bombs:

1. Embracing Imposter Syndrome: Annika Rae highlights that while imposter syndrome is often seen as a negative aspect, it can actually fuel creativity and growth. She shares how feeling inadequate when trying to recreate nature's beauty in her pottery pushed her to innovate and develop a unique style that only alludes to nature's beauty, not imitate it.

2. Balancing Passion and Profitability: One of the insightful tips Annika shares is the necessity of finding the right balance between doing something you love and creating something that sells. This is crucial for anyone seeking to turn their passion into a full-time profession.

3. Authenticity and Self-Discovery: Annika emphasizes the importance of creating pieces that are true reflections of the artist. She suggests that as artists continue to evolve personally, their art evolves too. By deeply knowing oneself, artists can create work that is authentic and resonates with their audience.

and so much more

Resources:

Take this Free Quiz to see how close you are to finding your pottery voice click here to take the quiz shapingyourpottery.com/quiz 

Get ready to be captivated as we spotlight the phenomenal Monica Rickhoff Wilson in our latest episode! Monica, acclaimed for her unique cluster-themed sculptures, shares her harmonious blend of chemistry and art, creating a symphony of shapes and structures. With the precision of a chemist and the passion of an artist, she introduces us to the critical role a specific type of wire plays in her work, drawing us into her world of creativity.

Our journey with Monica takes us to the heart of India, where she attended an artist residency that transformed her creative process. She paints a vivid picture of the Indian potters she encountered, their relentless work ethic, and contrasts this to her experiences in the United States. As we journey back, Monica speaks about how travel and residencies have not only shaped her artistry but also her self-perception. Committed to encouraging everyone to find and use their unique voice, Monica shares her thoughts on self-expression and its far-reaching impact. Her infectious enthusiasm spills over to her Instagram account, a vibrant showcase of her creative process. Join us and experience how Monica Rickhoff Wilson is using her voice and her art to inspire change and make a positive impact in the world. You can learn more about Monica by checking out her instagram @monicawilsonart

Top 3 Value Bombs:

1. Monica Rickhoff Wilson provides an intriguing insight into how her experiences in India significantly impacted her creative process. She emphasizes the stark difference in work ethic and materials used in Indian pottery, particularly the use of raw clay, compared to the processed clay commonly used in the United States. These experiences inspired her to blend art and chemistry, resulting in unique cluster-themed sculptures.

2. The importance of self-expression and authenticity is a prominent theme throughout the episode. Monica encourages listeners to embrace their unique voice and not be afraid to share it with the world. She stresses the idea that everyone's voice and artistic expression are valuable and can make a positive impact on the world.

3. Monica shares her unique approach to creating her cluster-themed sculptures, which includes a specific type of wire and a special firing process. This level of detail provides listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process and highlights the precision and scientific approach she applies to her art.

and so much more:

Resources:

The Questions we ask will determine how our pottery will look like that's why I created a Free 15 questions to help you discover your voice template go grab it here www.shapingyourpottery.com/questions

Support The Shaping Your Pottery Podcast 

In this episode, we are introduced to Delvin Goode, a talented artist from Florida State University who transitioned his skills from graphic design to pottery. He discusses his innovative approach to pottery, using stencils for unique designs and maintaining simplicity in shapes. He talks about his journey of overcoming fear of failure, an insight he gained while earning his MFA. He shares his process of using vivid, opaque colors on pottery using an airbrush gun and his recent explorations into slipcasting and stencil design. He urges fellow artists to create works that speak to them and discusses his experience as a speedball professional artist. Delvin emphasizes the importance of embracing failure and learning from it. You can learn more about Delvin by checking out his instagram @dgoodeart

Top 3 Value Bombs:

1. Embracing Failure: One of the main takeaways from this podcast episode is Delvin Goode's advice on overcoming the fear of failure. As he earned his MFA, he realized that failure was an integral part of the growth process, and not something to be feared. This insight has helped him in his artistic journey and is a key message he shares with fellow artists. 

2. Leveraging Different Art Forms: Delvin's success as an artist is not just due to his skills in pottery, but also his experience in graphic design and other art forms. His ability to combine these disciplines and skills has allowed him to create unique and recognizable works of art. This highlights the importance of cross-disciplinary learning and exploring different mediums in the pursuit of artistic growth. 

3. Finding Joy in Creativity: Delvin's pottery is inspired by the joy he hopes to bring to people. He believes that every piece he makes is a reward for being an awesome human being. His approach underscores the power of positivity and joy in creativity, reminding artists that their work can have a profound impact on others.

Support The Shaping Your Pottery Podcast

In this episode, we engage in a profound discussion with Ashley Gauntt, a remarkable potter known for her unique color and pattern designs. We explore Ashley's creative process, inspirations, and her incredible exhibition, 'Labyrinth of Consciousness'. The episode traces Ashley's journey as an artist, highlighting her approach to growth strategies and development of personal style. Ashley shares her wisdom on goal setting in pottery, emphasizing the importance of experimentation, seizing opportunities, and learning to trust one's reset mode. As we conclude, Ashley inspires listeners by emphasizing the importance of self-belief and supporting one's work in pottery. You can learn more about Ashley by checking out her instagram @mynameismuddbyash

Top 3 value bombs:

1. Understanding the difference between giving up, walking away, and pressing pause is crucial for personal growth and moving forward. This was a significant value bomb from Ashley, as it encourages listeners to reflect on their own decision-making process and develop resilience in challenging situations. 

2. Ashley's journey into pottery artistry showcases the importance of experimentation, seizing opportunities, and learning to trust one's reset mode. Her emphasis on these aspects serves as a roadmap for aspiring potters or anyone seeking to master a craft, thereby offering valuable insights.

3. The personal growth strategies that Ashley shares, which include setting small and big goals, learning from mistakes, and pushing boundaries, are applicable not just in pottery but in any field. These strategies underscore the importance of continual learning and development in achieving success.

and so much more 

Take this Free Quiz to see how close you are to finding your pottery voice click here to take the quiz shapingyourpottery.com/quiz 

In this podcast episode, we explore the artistic journey of Maya Rumsey, a gifted figurative and illustrative potter. Maya shares how she transitioned from a yoga instructor to a full-time pottery business while juggling the responsibilities of being a full-time mom. She discusses her process of creating figurative pottery and the challenges she faced. The episode also delves into Maya's marketing strategies and her advice for other artists trying to find their unique voice in pottery. She emphasizes the importance of finding joy in the creative process, being persistent in self-promotion, and the value of community among artists.

Top 3 Value Bombs:

1. The process of discovering one's unique voice in pottery requires consistency and persistence. According to Maya Rumsey, a seasoned figurative and illustrative potter, it's essential to make a lot of work and allow the gradual development of your unique style. She emphasized the need for patience and resilience, as finding a unique voice in pottery doesn't happen overnight. 

2. Leveraging other interests outside of pottery can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to your craft. Maya shares that her interests in yoga, meditation, and tarot influenced her pottery, inspiring new designs and techniques. The concept suggests that broadening one's horizon and learning from various fields can greatly enhance creativity and innovation in pottery.

3. The importance of effective self-promotion and marketing in the pottery business was emphasized. Maya shared her strategies for successful pottery sales, including consistent posting on social media platforms and building a hype around new pottery releases. Moreover, she advised budding artists to find marketing methods they enjoy, as genuine enthusiasm can attract a wider audience and increase sales.

and so much more

Take this Free Quiz to see how close you are to finding your pottery voice click here to take the quiz shapingyourpottery.com/quiz 

This podcast episode features pottery artist Jane Brooks, who shares her inspiring journey from her initial struggles with pottery to creating mesmerizing clay creations. Jane explains her creative process, the importance of originality, and the courage to keep going despite failures. She offers advice to budding pottery artists and emphasizes the importance of online presence, participating in local art fairs, and leveraging social media to reach a wider audience. She also discusses her unique creations, including her renowned octopus planters, and how she uses inspiration from nature in her work. The episode is an enriching experience for anyone interested in the art of pottery.

Top 3 Value Bombs:

1. The importance of resilience and patience in pottery: Jane Brooks shares how her struggles in learning pottery only motivated her to persist and eventually master the art. She also explains how ADHD influenced her time management, showing that overcoming personal challenges can become an integral part of one's artistic journey.

2. Insights into the creative process: Jane provides an in-depth look into her creative process, discussing her River Rock project and her octopus planters. She emphasizes the importance of originality and the courage to try, fail, and keep going, providing listeners with a unique perspective on the creative process in pottery.

3. Practical steps for pottery enthusiasts: Jane offers actionable advice for budding pottery artists, such as establishing an online presence, participating in local art fairs, and leveraging social media to grow their audience. She also gives tips on maintaining motivation and drawing inspiration from the surroundings, offering a comprehensive guide for those looking to make their mark in the pottery world.

and so much more

Support The Shaping Your Pottery Podcast