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Thoughts on The Function and Design of Bowls with Rims
For years, I avoided making bowls with rims. They seemed inefficient – taking up too much kiln space, adding unnecessary weight, and complicating what should be a simple form. But after taking a 9-month online class with artist and maker … Read the rest
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Creating in Change
Facing Creative Challenges in the Studio This past month, working on larger pottery pieces brought new challenges. The clay was hard, heavier, and more demanding than expected. Kneading and preparing the clay took longer, making my shoulders ache. I tried … Read the rest
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Cold Firings & Staying Creative
Finding Creativity in the Cold The freezing temperatures this January have tested more than just my patience—they’ve tested my process. Kiln lids froze shut, burners clogged, and firing became a trial of resilience. Yet, there’s something strangely rewarding about troubleshooting … Read the rest
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12-Week Strategic Artist Recovery Plan
Combining the mental strategies from “Mental Training for Ultrarunning” with the 12-Step Creative and Business Framework and The Artist’s Way themes, I’ve created an integrated 12-week strategic plan tailored for my pottery in Chat-GPT. This updated roadmap emphasizes mental … Read the rest
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Showing Up & Deep Cleaning
January 9th, 2025, “Work that matters for people who care.” A Year of Commitment: Writing and the Studio After a full year of showing up to write daily, I’ve realized the power of commitment and consistency. It’s an accomplishment I’m … Read the rest
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A Year in Reflection
Lessons from the Studio This year, the wheel has spun countless times, each turn teaching something new. From the rasped textures developed years ago to the fresh forms imagined during quiet moments, the journey of creation has been one of … Read the rest
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Creativity, Collaboration, & Crafting a Better Year
The Art of Planning: Embracing Goals and Changes As the year winds down, planning for the next is already underway. Creating a schedule that works has always been a challenge, but there’s something exciting about setting new goals. Expensive planners … Read the rest
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Snow Days, Kilns, & Showing Up
The first snow day of the season arrived right on time to throw off the plans. Snow days are supposed to be for curling up with a book and sipping coffee or tea next to your favorite person, cat, or … Read the rest
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How Much Clay Do I Need? A Potter’s Reference Chart — Creek Road Pottery
This chart is a starting point. Every potter throwsdifferently, every clay body shrinks differently,and every kiln does what it wants to. These weightsare approximations based on standard forms; usethem to get in the ballpark, then adjust … Read the rest
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One Step at a Time
At Creek Road Pottery, we know that creating something meaningful takes time, patience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. I’ve been reflecting a lot on this lately as I’ve prepared for our Christmas show, rebuilt the wood kiln brick … Read the rest
