Shaping Your Pottery with Nic Torres

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 [https://shapingyourpottery.ck.page/6808d5415e] 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

This Episode features an interview with potter Don Ricardo, who shares insights into his pottery journey, emphasizing experimentation, fun, and the essence of enjoying the process over commercial success. He reveals how he started pottery to create specific containers for his plants and how this led to a broader appreciation for his unique creations. Ricardo discusses the importance of trusting the journey, not focusing on the destination, and how various creative experiences contributed to his growth as an artist. He criticizes the commercialization of art and stresses making art for self-fulfillment, illustrated through his 'muffin story.' Ricardo also highlights his development from creating functional pottery to expressive art pieces, motivated by his concern for the environment and ancient civilizations. The interview delves into his unique, self-made pottery tools and unconventional techniques, emphasizing that one doesn't need expensive tools to create pottery. Finally, Ricardo offers advice to aspiring potters on finding their unique voice by researching, experimenting, and breaking norms. You can learn more about Don by checking out his Instagram @don_ricardo_ceramics [https://www.instagram.com/don_ricardo_ceramics/] Join The Shaping Your Pottery Newsletter and Learn New Pottery Techniques By Clicking This Link shapingyourpottery.com/newsletter [http://shapingyourpottery.com/newsletter] 00:00 Kicking Off with Pottery Passion: The Basics and Beyond 00:46 The Journey Begins: From Necessity to Creativity 01:51 Embracing the Journey: Trusting the Process and Avoiding Traps 05:41 The Muffin Story: A Lesson in Creativity and Authenticity 07:41 Exploring New Horizons: The Evolution of Pottery Art 12:40 Crafting with Simplicity: The Art of Using Minimal Tools 21:00 Discovering Your Voice in Pottery: Tips and Techniques 31:36 Wrapping Up: The Essence of Making Art for Oneself

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery,' host Nic Torres interviews Leigh Weinberg, a potter inspired by children's books, who shares her journey of finding her unique voice in pottery. Lee discusses the evolution of her pottery skills, the importance of being authentic, and her unconventional methods of selling pottery. She emphasizes the role of failure in learning and developing her own style, transitioning from a college art program to becoming a professional potter during the pandemic. Leigh also details her business approach, from setting up shop updates to pricing her work, and the positive impact of social media on her career. Furthermore, she shares insights into her creative process, from inspiration sources to silkscreen techniques, and offers advice for aspiring potters on discovering their own voice. The episode is not only an exploration of Leigh's artistic journey but also serves as motivation for artists to pursue their passions authentically and confidently. You can learn more about Leigh by checking out her instagram @lawful_nature [https://www.instagram.com/lawful_nature/] 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:04 The Journey of a Potter: Lee Weinberg 00:23 The Importance of Authenticity in Pottery 00:38 Lee's Unconventional Ways of Selling Pottery 01:03 The Role of Failure in Pottery 02:26 Lee's First Pottery Class Experience 04:26 Impact of the Pandemic on Lee's Pottery Journey 07:12 The Evolution of Lee's Illustrative Animal Pottery 09:28 The Influence of Children's Books on Lee's Work 14:58 The Business Side of Pottery 24:13 Discovering Your Voice in Pottery 33:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Take this Free Quiz to see how close you are to finding your pottery voice click here to take the quiz shapingyourpottery.com/quiz [https://l80hrbmg3p5.typeform.com/to/tpiCqpnW]

In this episode, Nicole Dacey, a professional potter, shares her journey into the world of pottery, the transition from making pottery as a hobby to turning it into her full-time career, and the role her husband played in her journey. Nicole talks about the profound impact of building her own pottery studio and explains why she ventured into sculptural hand-built work. She discusses the importance of discovering one's unique voice in pottery and provides insightful tips on how potters can use Instagram to sell their pottery. The conversation further covers the influence of natural landscapes and antique objects on her pottery designs, and how teaching pottery helped improve her skill and understanding of the craft. You can learn more about Nicole by checking out her instagram @nicoledaceypottery [https://www.instagram.com/nicoledaceypottery/] Top 3 Value Bombs: 1. Discovering Your Voice: Nicole suggests that it's important to understand what you're good at and what you enjoy when creating pottery. This includes drawing inspiration from various sources, developing a personal style, and recognizing the types of pottery that you don't enjoy creating. Copying and learning from others in the learning phase helps find your unique style and voice, and gradually dropping the things you don't enjoy doing paves the way for focusing on what you truly love. 2. Building Your Own Pottery Studio: Nicole emphasizes the importance of organizing and planning for your own space and studio, including thinking about functionality, ergonomics as well as aesthetics to inspire you. She recommends having ample shelf space and smart storage ideas. 3. Leveraging Instagram: Nicole advises using Instagram as a free marketing tool to showcase and sell work, keeping in mind that potential followers might not necessarily be potential customers. She draws distinction between followers who appreciate the feed for humor, educational content, and feel a connection, versus followers who may potentially buy the work. Developing Instagram content that is visually pleasing and relevant to your goals is crucial. 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 [https://l80hrbmg3p5.typeform.com/to/tpiCqpnW]

In this podcast episode, we delve into Jessie Shaw's remarkable transition from an accountant to a pottery virtuoso. Jessie discusses her initial discovery of pottery's therapeutic benefits during her battle with mental health issues and her subsequent experience as a high school ceramics teacher's assistant. The catalyst for her career change was a combination of overwhelming stress from her accounting job and health problems, leading her to embrace her passion for pottery, supported by her husband. Jessie's exploration into pottery goes beyond conventional mugs to unique items like olive oil bottles and yarn bowls, employing a distinctive single-firing technique that sets her apart. She shares the challenges and joys of experimenting with clay and glaze combinations, highlighting the importance of taking breaks to rejuvenate creativity and refine one's artistic voice. Listeners interested in her work can find @modernfirepottery [https://www.instagram.com/modernfirepottery/] on Instagram. Top 3 Value Bombs: 1. **Embrace Change and Pursue Passion**: One of the key takeaways from Jesse Shaw's journey is the importance of following one's passion, even when it means making a significant career change. Jesse's story illustrates the value of listening to one's inner voice and taking the leap from a stable, but unfulfilling career in accounting, to a life dedicated to the art of pottery. This transition was not only crucial for her personal fulfillment but also for her mental health, as pottery provided a therapeutic outlet for her. 2. **Support Networks are Crucial**: Jesse's experience underscores the importance of having a supportive network when making life-altering decisions. Her husband played an instrumental role in her transition to pottery, providing not just moral support but also practical help, such as investing in equipment and assisting with her creative process. This reinforces the idea that having people who believe in you and your passion can be a tremendous asset when navigating through changes and pursuing a creative career. 3. **Innovation and Experimentation Lead to Growth**: Jesse Shaw's adoption of a single-firing technique, as opposed to the traditional bisque firing, highlights the importance of innovation in one's craft. By experimenting with new methods and forms, such as olive oil bottles and yarn bowls instead of the ubiquitous mugs, Jesse found her unique artistic voice. Her willingness to try new things and push the boundaries of her medium serves as an inspiration to other artists to explore and experiment within their own fields, emphasizing that personal growth often lies in stepping out of one's comfort zone. and 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 [https://l80hrbmg3p5.typeform.com/to/tpiCqpnW]

Take this Free Quiz to see how close you are to finding your pottery voice click here to take the quiz shapingyourpottery.com/quiz [https://l80hrbmg3p5.typeform.com/to/tpiCqpnW] Unlock the power of pottery to transform life's hardest moments into beautiful creations with Carolyn Hansen, a sculptor whose art embodies the journey through post-traumatic stress. In our heartfelt conversation, Carolyn opens up about the critical role that clay has played in her personal evolution, from her shift away from history academia to discovering solace in the studio. As she shares her story, we grasp the true resilience required to find success in the arts—a personal and incremental triumph that often involves juggling a day job with studio time. Imagine shaping not just clay but your very own artistic voice, learning from Carolyn's experiences with authenticity and growth. This episode goes beyond the wheel and kiln, addressing the myths surrounding 'overnight' artistic success and offering practical advice for those yearning to express themselves through pottery. With insights on the therapeutic aspects of working with clay and the joy that her rescue pugs bring to her life, Carolyn's narrative is a testament to the harmonious balance between pursuing an artistic passion and the rest of life's pursuits. Join us, and be inspired to mold your unique path in the world of pottery. You can learn more about Carolyn by checking out her instagram @carolyn_hansen_ceramics [https://www.instagram.com/carolyn_hansen_ceramics/] Top 3 Value Bombs: Based on the podcast episode overview, here are the top three value bombs: 1. Embracing Failure as a Path to Success: Carolyn Hansen's story highlights the importance of embracing failure as an essential part of the creative process. She discusses how failures are data points that bring an artist closer to the work they're meant to create. Each setback or 'ugly' piece of art is viewed not as a defeat but as a stepping stone towards finding one's true artistic voice and achieving personal success. 2. Therapeutic Power of Pottery: Carolyn shares the deeply therapeutic nature of pottery, describing how it provided solace during challenging times, particularly when she became a caregiver for her mother. The act of molding clay became a form of convalescence, offering her a tactile and calming experience that helped her cope with post-traumatic stress and led to personal transformation. 3. The Incremental Climb to Artistic Recognition: The episode dispels the myth of overnight success in the art world, emphasizing the incremental and local growth of an artist's recognition. Carolyn stresses the importance of being proactive in seeking opportunities and being part of an artistic community. She suggests that success can take many forms, whether it's financial viability or the continuous practice of art alongside another job, highlighting the journey towards finding a unique voice in pottery and the balance of passion and livelihood.

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 [http://www.shapingyourpottery.com/questions] Welcome to another captivating episode of Shaping your Pottery with your host, Nic Torres. Listen in as we engage Kendra Harvey, a talented artist who pivoted from a career in criminal justice to one in ceramics and painting. Kendra shares her journey of discovery, the evolution of her unique sculpting techniques, and how she developed self-confidence both in her art and herself. We explore the influences of competitive combat sports in her life and how stepping out of her comfort zone contributed to her personal and artistic growth. As we move along, Kendra's intriguing insights about the importance of independence in sculpting and pottery are sure to spark your creativity. We chat about the journey of a sculptor, the importance of confidence in decision-making, and trusting one's artistic voice. The discussion takes an interesting turn as we explore how Kendra found her unique voice in pottery, faced obstacles, and overcame them. Enjoy an inspiring conversation that emphasizes the importance of enjoying life and knowing oneself as key to artistic evolution. Don't miss out on this enlightening chat with Kendra Harvey. You can learn more about Kendra by checking out her instagram @kendraharvey.art [https://www.instagram.com/kendraharvey.art/] Top 3 Value Bombs: 1. Kendra Harvey, a former criminal justice major turned ceramic sculptor, shares her inspiring journey of discovery and transformation. Her story underlines the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing change, and having self-confidence both in art and life. 2. Kendra articulates the role of independence in her art form. She emphasizes the significance of trusting one's artistic instincts and decision-making process. Her unique approach to discovering and honing her voice in pottery provides a valuable lesson in pushing creative boundaries and overcoming obstacles. 3. Kendra's philosophy about art goes beyond creating physical pieces; to her, it's about enjoying life and understanding oneself. This mindset is not only relevant for artists but can resonate with anyone seeking personal growth and self-discovery. and so much more

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 [https://www.instagram.com/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 [https://l80hrbmg3p5.typeform.com/to/tpiCqpnW] 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 [http://www.shapingyourpottery.com/questions]

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 [https://www.instagram.com/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 [http://www.shapingyourpottery.com/questions] Support The Shaping Your Pottery Podcast [https://www.shapingyourpottery.com/p/donate/]

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 [https://www.instagram.com/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 [https://l80hrbmg3p5.typeform.com/to/tpiCqpnW]

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 [https://www.shapingyourpottery.com/p/donate/]

This podcast episode takes listeners on a journey through the career of Nicole Thomas, a renowned pottery artist. She discusses her path from being a high school student with a love for pottery to becoming a teacher inspiring others to create. Nicole emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning and experimentation in pottery, as well as the significance of developing a unique artistic voice. She talks about her experiences with craft schools, the advantages of setting up a home studio, and her unique approach to creating pottery. For those starting out, Nicole advises mastering the basics and being creative with available materials. She also shares her evolution as an artist. You can learn more about Nicole by checking out her Instagram @classicclayworks [https://www.instagram.com/classicclayworks/] Top 3 Value Bombs: 1. Importance of Basics: Nicole stresses the importance of mastering the basic skills and materials before delving deep into pottery. She suggests starting with basic materials like a bag of clay, a sheet of canvas, and essential pottery tools. This helps beginners build efficiency and understand the material better, allowing them to create successful pieces. 2. Creating Unique Designs: Nicole shares her method of creating unique designs, which she refers to as her "signature style". She uses her fingers to create organic ridges on the pottery, adding texture and individuality to her pieces. This technique not only personalizes her work but also gives it a distinctive, recognizable style. 3. The Value of a Home Studio: Nicole shares how establishing a home studio significantly contributed to her growth as a pottery artist. A home studio allows artists to work on their own timeline, experiment freely, and not be limited by community studio schedules or guidelines. This independence can lead to increased creativity and productivity. and so much more Get your 53 themes by clicking this link shapingyourpottery.com/53themes [https://shapingyourpottery.ck.page/6808d5415e] Rate, Review, and Follow "This podcast helps stretch you creatively…and find your "voice" in your work." >... please consider rating and reviewing my show! [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shaping-your-pottery-with-nic-torres/id1615460637] This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward finding there own unique voice with there pottery Click scroll [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shaping-your-pottery-with-nic-torres/id1615460637] to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not following, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Follow Now! [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shaping-your-pottery-with-nic-torres/id1615460637]

In this podcast episode, the featured guest is the talented and passionate pottery artist, Danica. She shares her inspiring journey from a young student sculptor to a renowned pottery artist, attributing much of her success to the supportive environment created by her Swiss parents. Danica shares her progression from crafting beautiful sculptural pieces to functional works of art inspired by Australian native flora and fauna. She also opens up about her love for teaching and sharing her craft, and discusses the challenges she faced in the evolution of her pottery style, her struggle with self-doubt, and the power of authenticity. You can learn more about Danica by checking out her instagram @rediscoverceramics [https://www.instagram.com/rediscoverceramics] Top 3 Value Bombs: - Danica emphasizes the importance of a supportive community in her artistic journey. From her Swiss parents who nurtured her creativity the sense of support has played a significant role in her success. This highlights the impact of a positive environment in personal and professional growth. - The episode offers a glimpse into Danica's creative process, which uniquely blends her family's woodworking traditions and her love for Australian native flora and fauna. Her willingness to experiment and innovate is a valuable lesson for artists and creators in all fields. This reiterates the power of personal experiences and passions in driving creativity. - Danica candidly discusses the importance of staying authentic in her work and how learning to decline opportunities has helped her maintain this authenticity. This is a crucial lesson for anyone in a creative field, reinforcing the importance of protecting one's artistic voice and staying true to one's values, even in the face of commercial demands. and so much more Rate, Review, and Follow "This podcast helps stretch you creatively…and find your "voice" in your work." >... please consider rating and reviewing my show! [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shaping-your-pottery-with-nic-torres/id1615460637] This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward finding there own unique voice with there pottery Click scroll [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shaping-your-pottery-with-nic-torres/id1615460637] to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not following, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Follow Now! [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shaping-your-pottery-with-nic-torres/id1615460637] Get your 53 themes by clicking this link shapingyourpottery.com/53themes [https://shapingyourpottery.ck.page/6808d5415e]