Pottery Shows, Difficult Days, and Finding Your Fire

A Wedding, a Pot, and a Pitcher

This weekend I attended a small 4-hour show held at a wedding venue. The backstory made the event unforgettable. A bride who had called off her wedding decided to move forward with the venue, the food, the open bar, and the live music anyway—and invited artists and vendors to come together for what she called a “Spring Fling.” Her act of generosity really struck me. She even gave each of us a bottle of wine. I was able to sell one pot, which covered the booth fee, but more than that, I got to be part of a really meaningful moment.

The venue was beautiful, the food was incredible, and the music set a nice mood. While the foot traffic was light, the conversations were rich. I gifted the bride a small pouring pitcher as a token of goodwill and as a thank-you for turning a potential disappointment into something joyful and communal. There’s a lesson here about rolling with life’s changes and still finding a way to bring people together. Sometimes, even when the sales are low, the story and the people make it all worth it.

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The Studio Villain and the Group Norms

In every community, there is someone who stirs the pot, whether they mean to or not. In a shared studio space, that might be the person who accidentally breaks someone else’s work and leaves no note. We tend to view them as the villain, but they serve a purpose. They help us reset our norms. They remind us why we have expectations, and they give us a reason to reinforce the kind of culture we want in the space. The group becomes tighter in response to the tension they bring.

I have learned that tension can be a tool. A little conflict or misstep forces everyone to reflect on what “people like us do.” It brings about conversations on shared values, responsibilities, and care. Seth Godin’s phrase comes to mind often when these moments show up: “People like us do things like this.” That is how identity and belonging are shaped. Even the frustrating parts of community can become chances to define ourselves and grow closer.

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The Blank Page Almost Won

Today the blank page almost got the best of me. The resistance to write was strong. I sat for a long time looking at my notebook, unsure what to say or how to begin. That familiar voice showed up, the one that says there is nothing worth sharing, no thought clear enough to put down. When that happens, it can feel like a small defeat. But then I remember: just one sentence can change things. One sentence, then another.

The act of showing up to the page is its own kind of win. I have learned that creativity does not always feel good. Sometimes it is tiring, slow, or even frustrating. The important thing is to stay in motion. Eventually, something useful finds its way through. Writing today reminded me that I do not need to say something grand—I just need to say something true. If you’re in a slump, consider this your reminder to try just one sentence. You can always keep going from there.

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High Stakes and Procrastination

Sometimes I wait too long and end up putting myself in a tough spot. Procrastination builds pressure until the only way out is through a high-stakes move. At times, I have found myself in what Steven Pressfield calls the “all is lost” moment. It is the point where you have no option left but to commit fully and pay whatever price is required to finish. Sometimes I get lucky and it all works out beautifully. Other times, not so much.

Still, I’ve learned that those moments of pressure often bring clarity. They show what really matters and what you are willing to fight for. If you wait too long, you might find yourself in a bind, but it is also a chance to recommit and push forward. That urgency can light a fire that burns off the distractions. It is not the best strategy, but it is human. And when it works, it reminds me that I can do more than I think when I finally get out of my own way.

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The Power of Influence While Building Ana

As I continue to build the wood kiln Ana, I am starting to realize that I have stepped into a new kind of role. I might be the adjudicator of influence, affiliation, and status for the people drawn into this project—whether they are makers, helpers, or even audience members. It all feeds into each other. The ones who come to lay bricks and stoke the fire are building more than just a kiln. They are building connection, tradition, and a sense of belonging.

It is not a responsibility I take lightly. The work of building Ana is deeply communal, and the circle around her is growing. I know that stories will be told about these days, and I want them to reflect generosity, patience, and shared purpose. What we create together will have meaning beyond the bricks. It becomes part of a living system of makers, supporters, and stories that loop back into each other with every firing. Ana is not just a kiln. She is a center of gravity.

Until Next Time…

Thanks for being here. If any of this resonates, reply to say hello, or forward this to someone who loves handmade work and stories. I’ll keep showing up, and maybe together we’ll create something remarkable.

With gratitude,
Alford Wayman

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