As the leaves change color and the cool autumn air settles in, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the progress I’ve made over the past month—both in the studio and in life. The shifting season brings a new focus and perspective on the work that lies ahead. This month, I’ve been contemplating the balance between intention and action, the value of patience in long-term projects, and the stories we create along the way.
Kiln Building: A Lesson in Patience
Reconstructing the wood kiln has been a significant undertaking. As I load brick after brick, I’m reminded that patience is essential. This kiln is more than just a structure; it’s a long-term investment in both community and craftsmanship. While hauling each 15-pound brick, I reflect on how this slow, steady progress mirrors many of the projects we pursue in life. It’s about showing up day after day, even when the work is challenging, and the results seem distant.
Sometimes, slowing down is the best way forward. Taking time away from the kiln to handle life’s essential events—whether working extra hours or caring for family—has given me the space to think deeply about how best to reconstruct it to suit my needs. Brick by brick, the kiln is coming together, just as I hope to build a lasting legacy in both my work and my community.
The Challenge of Working for Yourself
In a personal reflection this month, I wrote about the challenge of showing up for yourself the way you would for others. It’s interesting how we often give more to our jobs and commitments than we do to our own dreams. Sometimes, the hardest boss to work for is yourself—especially when that boss is overly critical and demanding. It’s a constant balancing act to hold yourself accountable while also practicing self-compassion.
Victor Frankl’s quote resonates with me here: “Live as if you were living already for the second time and as if you had acted the first time as wrongly as you are about to act now.” This reminds me to approach each day as a second chance, giving myself the opportunity to grow and improve without getting bogged down by past mistakes.
Intentions and Actions: Finding Alignment
This month, I’ve also been reflecting on the fine line between intentions and actions. Having good intentions is one thing, but without action, they remain just that—merely intentions. The path to progress requires aligning what we want to achieve with the steps we take to get there. As I’ve noted in my recent writings, Saint Augustine’s famous prayer humorously captures the human tendency to seek change while procrastinating: “Make me chaste and celibate—but not yet!”
In the studio, I’m reminded daily that action—whether it’s throwing a pot, building a kiln, or writing—is what brings ideas into the world. This October, my goal is to create 50 new pots for the upcoming shows, not just to set the intention but also to take the actions needed to make it happen.
Community and Storytelling
Building a community is just as vital as creating the pottery itself. Just as ancient communities gathered to perform communal tasks like harvesting or grinding corn, we, too, come together around the kiln to share stories, work collaboratively, and create something greater than ourselves. Firing a wood kiln is a communal effort, and I’m excited to reconnect with old friends and make new ones as we prepare for the kiln’s first firing. This shared experience will be one of the many stories that bind us together.
The Road Ahead: Embracing the Journey
As we move deeper into autumn, I’m reminded that the journey is just as important as the destination. Whether it’s the slow process of building a kiln, the challenge of working for yourself, or the daily effort to align intentions and actions, the lessons learned along the way shape us.
I hope this newsletter finds you well and encourages you to embrace the work, challenges, and growth that come with it. I look forward to sharing more stories from the studio and invite you to reflect on your own intentions and actions this month.
October Shows & Events at Creek Road Pottery.
I attended a few shows that showcased the beauty of handmade pottery and fostered community connections:
Artist Open House Weekend Tour
When: October 12th to 14th
Where: Guest Artist at Tour Map Location #27
Location: Soaring Gardens Artists Retreat, Laceyville, PA
Annual Fall 2024 Show
When: October 18th – 20th, 2024
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: 917 Creek Road, Laceyville, PA
These events are an opportunity to gather, celebrate creativity, and connect with fellow art lovers. I invite you to join us, experience the joy of handmade pottery, and perhaps rediscover a piece of yourself along the way.
Final Thoughts
As we embrace the beauty of fall, I encourage you to take time for your own rediscoveries. Whether through art, nature, or connections with loved ones, let’s cherish the moments that inspire us and remind us of the unique stories we each hold. A kiln load of pots comes out of the gas updraft using the technique from a wood fire schedule.
