Autumn is my favorite time of year. I love the sights, sounds and smells of trees shedding their leaves, preparing for winter. This year has been a particularly beautiful time. The colors that surround the ridges are spectacular. I feel drawn to the outdoors to enjoy the beauty that surrounds me, wishing autumn would last just a bit longer.
Autumn is a busy time for my pottery business. This year has definitely been a different year for those of us who depend on outdoor festivals. I have chosen to avoid such gatherings this year, playing it safe by depending on gallery sales and now sales from my new website. I have found that a few of the galleries I have depended on for sales have closed or are now operating under reduced hours. As a result, sales are down. Times are tough for a lot of people and I am sure the small businesses you support are more than grateful for your loyalty. I am one of those small businesses. Thank you everyone for your support and encouragement to carry on.
My studio is currently in disarray as I work on a number of projects. I am busy making mugs for an upcoming mug show/sale while firing and glazing a number of pieces for a new gallery in Alamance County. Sometimes, I feel as if I am juggling way too many balls, but I love the process of creating new pieces while continuing with the work that customers love to buy. Anyone who knows me well will know that I have to experiment and try new forms, glazes and techniques. I suppose that is why I have so many different buying options on my website. I have been told by others that I have taken the tough road, creating so many different styles and that I am making life more difficult for myself. I suppose that is true, but I feel the need to follow my inner voice and continue to develop new creations.
I think my years of teaching art in the public school have helped to push me to try new things. As a teacher, I loved to encourage my students to try the most creative design in their sketchbook, hoping that they would develop an understanding that being creative means taking a risk. Everything may not turn out the way one expects, but can lead to new discoveries. Mistakes and mishaps can become challenges that cause one to think in a new way. Sometimes the solution is better than the original idea. Sometimes it is not. I find I tend to explore creatively in my studio and when I miss my desired result, I try to find a new direction. I believe there are many solutions to a problem and thinking creatively is the key to a positive result. Being creative makes my life interesting, challenging and very worthwhile.
As the fall season moves forward, I continue to work steadily in my studio developing work that both challenges and brings me pleasure. I am fulfilling a need to create, while making pottery that serves a function and purpose in the homes of others. I will post new products on this website as they develop, so please continue to visit and revisit my site as we move into the holiday season. New products and surprises are sure to appear as you begin to shop and give gifts to those you love. Thank you for supporting small business. Thank you for supporting me,
