Thursday, May 1, 2008

my attempt to lead people away from the dark side (of mass produced meaningless stuff)

I have been reading a lot of posts lately about how hard it is to make a go of it on your own (your own business I mean). I can relate to most of these bloggers as I am always trying to think of ways to make more money in my business while not crushing my soul and doing what I don't want to do. I started my own studio because I wanted to do what I wanted to do. So I don't have any solutions to convincing people that they need to buy handmade. But I do have my own views on this and they are many but also summed up in my artists statement. So here is how I try to convince people to buy handmade.

Creating ceramic pieces has evolved into a medium for my exploration of form and colour. I am fascinated with design and the passion which people can feel for familiar everyday objects. With so many mass produced goods becoming a part of our lives I feel that it is important to maintain a connection between the maker, the object and the user. My vessels are made using both stoneware and porcelain clay bodies. I fire in oxidation and make my own food safe glazes. Many pieces are further decorated with decals, underglaze, drawings and slip trailing. The tranquility and sense of calm I find while throwing on the wheel is transferred to the pots I make. I am striving for soft, flowing organic forms that will delight and comfort the person using them. I wish to create vessels that people cherish and use on a daily basis. Handmade is good.

I hope that when people go to my website they read about me and they feel better and more encouraged to buy handmade.

1 comment:

Mrs. G. said...

I think the tide is turning and handmade/small/family businesses are our future. Of course, I have a bad habit of assuming the whole world thinks like I do-but still...I am hopeful.