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How Embracing Imperfections in My Ceramics Reflects Life’s Unpredictable Journey
Embracing the Unpredictable in Ceramics and Life
In the world of ceramics, "imperfection" usually refers to something wrong with a piece—cracks, glaze runs, or bubbles. For me, imperfections are what make my pieces uniquely mine. Whether it’s a rim that isn’t perfectly round, a glaze that runs a little too much, or even a spot where I accidentally touched a piece when it was still too wet, these small flaws remind me that my work is handmade. They’re proof that I made it, not some factory machine.
Learning to Love the Flaws
The first time I realized imperfections could be beautiful was during a college ceramics class. I made multiple mugs, but none of them were perfect. Some handles weren’t straight, and others didn’t fit the standard three fingers. It frustrated me at first, especially because I don’t love making mugs to begin with. But that experience helped me understand that handmade pieces are never going to be “perfect”—and that’s what makes them special. Even now, I still struggle with making mugs, but I’m planning to make more of them in a row to build my skills and create mugs I can truly be proud of.
From Perfectionist to Potter
When I first began working with clay, I wanted every piece to be flawless. No cracks, no glaze mishaps, just perfect ceramics. I was heartbroken when my first bisque firing came out with cracked handles and broken bottoms. It was a hard lesson in patience and acceptance. I quickly learned that not everything I make is going to be a keeper—some pieces will be reclaimed and recycled into new projects. But I’ve come to accept that practice really does make perfect, or at least perfect enough for me.
Life Lessons in Clay
For me, the imperfections in my work are a lot like the bumps in the road of life. Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of challenges—losing loved ones, saying goodbye to my first dog, and experiencing the heartbreak of miscarriage. For a long time, each bump felt like a failure, but eventually, I realized that I’m not in control. These bumps, like the imperfections in my pottery, are part of a bigger plan. I’ve learned to let go and trust that God is in control, both in life and in the studio.
The Magic of Unpredictability
One imperfection I’ve come to love is the unpredictability of glazes. The same glaze combination never breaks the same way twice, and I’ve embraced that. It’s a reminder that no two pieces will ever be exactly alike, and that’s part of the beauty of handmade pottery. Each one is truly one-of-a-kind.
Featured Pieces: Embracing Imperfection
Two pieces that best represent this idea are the Oyster/Blue Opal Donut Vase and the Lonestar Opal Trinket Dish. Even though I used the same glaze combination on both, they turned out completely different. The glazes broke in unpredictable ways, giving each piece its own unique character. They’re a perfect example of how imperfections can be beautiful, and why I’ve come to embrace them in my work.
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