The Unexpected Joys of Ceramics – What Keeps Me Going

Discovering the Unexpected Moments That Make My Ceramics Journey Worthwhile

My First Piece – A Humble Beginning

When I first started working with clay, I had no idea just how many surprises this journey would hold. I still remember the very first piece I made—a hand-built lantern. It wasn’t perfect; in fact, the lid didn’t fit quite right, but I was so proud of it. I had created something with my own hands! That piece still lives on my parent's mantel to this day, reminding me of where I started and how much I’ve grown.

Finding Joy in the Simple Things

There’s something so special about getting my hands dirty in the studio. It’s in those messy, hands-on moments that I feel the most connected to my craft. The sensation of molding and shaping clay, knowing that the end result will transform into something beautiful, never gets old. It’s a small, simple joy, but it’s one that keeps me grounded and grateful for this journey.

The Magic (and Surprises) of Glazing

Of course, ceramics also comes with its fair share of surprises. I’ve had many happy accidents when it comes to glazing. Sometimes I experiment with combinations just to see how they’ll interact. One of my favorite techniques is the peacock effect with different Stroke & Coat colors. The way the colors run and blend together has led to some beautiful pieces—and a few that didn’t turn out quite as I expected! I’m planning to create larger statement pieces using this method, but for now, I’m enjoying the small test pieces that remind me of the joy of experimentation.

(If you want to dive deeper into the magic of glazing and how the kiln transforms my work, check out my earlier post The Magic of the Kiln - How It Transforms My Work )

Staying Motivated by My Goals

On the tougher days, when things don’t go as planned, I remind myself of the goals I’m working toward. A big part of my motivation comes from wanting to inspire beginner ceramicists. While I’m not selling out my store in five minutes or attending big shows, I’m proud of the content I create. I aim to show others that we all have to start somewhere, and that growth comes from embracing the journey, imperfections and all. I may not have all the answers, but I hope my process encourages others to stay curious and keep creating.

Unexpected Fulfillment in Recent Work

One of my most fulfilling moments recently came when I threw the largest bowl I’ve ever made—an 11-inch diameter piece. It’s not finished yet, and there’s always the possibility it could crack, but the process of creating it was incredibly satisfying.

Another piece that brought me unexpected joy is the Turquoise Lidded Jar with Earthy Brown Interior. The lid fits perfectly, with a handle that feels just right. Trying a new technique on this piece felt like a small victory—a reminder that there’s always room to learn and grow, no matter how long you’ve been working with clay.

Ceramics is full of these little surprises and moments of joy, and that’s what keeps me going. Whether it’s the feel of the clay in my hands, a happy accident in the kiln, or the fulfillment of seeing a piece come together, each moment adds a little more magic to my journey. I hope that you find joy in my pieces even if you aren’t buying for yourself.

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