So often we assume at some point in our lives that a certain “door” is closed to us for what ever reason. It appeared to be the case in 1983 when I graduated with a university degree in ceramics without a kiln or a potter’s wheel.
Life went on with marriage, family, jobs, etc. Finally after starting other artistic businesses using my artistic skills to paint designs for retail products (ie. t shirts, cards, prints, etc) I thought my artistic journey was playing out. But God had other plans!
After ten years, my mass produced creative business closed and I finally resigned to the management sector. Then after moving to Austin, TX in 2011, I was inspired by so many creatives that just pushed thru the boundaries by creating when and how they could. So I started painting again, opened a gallery again with art and furniture. Eventually this played into my full time interior design business. (We are getting to the open door soon…)
I had closed the retail space to work with clients at their home full time, but learned pottery was an option in several rentable spaces in Austin. So I opted for a 6 week class at Laguna Gloria art school to see if my wheel throwing skills were even still there! Sure enough, little by little, my hands remembered the familiar feel of clay sliding into shape. My instructor (a 30+ yr potter) encouraged me.
Then a serendipitous trip to the Austin clay store, at the beginning of 2020 allowed me to locate a used kiln! Of course that prompted a wheel purchase too and a heavy voltage plug install in my garage. My clay studio emerged!
Looking back on my long journey (over 30 yrs) to get back into art (paint and clay) full time, I now realize I needed the life experiences and constant desire to pull thru and emerge more focused, inspired and excited to create. Now my hands tell me what will emerge next. Mud and paint stained, they are happier than ever!
Here I am realizing my dream!
