Hello,
My name is Tracey and I’m an aspiring potter.
I began my pottery journey in 2019. It began very humbly with an invitation from a friend to join her at a group pottery class. I took that beginning Pottery class again. Then I took the 5 week course. Then I signed up for a studio membership.
I’d love to be able to say that I was a “natural”, but pottery takes time to learn, patience and practice, and getting real comfy with “failure” (things not working the way you might hope. you only fail if you don’t try at all).
Going back a little farther; I’ve always been an “artist”. It’s who I am, not just what I do. I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t drawing, creating something or expressing myself through fun colored hair and editorial fashion. I had the privilege of attending an art university where I earned a BFA. This empowered me to earn a living making digital art, but I have never stopped learning, exploring and making outside of my 9-5.
Of the many skills I have picked up over the years, sewing has been a lifelong love. What does this have to do with pottery? Stick with me!
I started sewing at a fairly young age, partly because being in a larger body in the 90s meant that the only clothing you could find was more suited to your parent’s generation than your own, and because I was one of those… not quite theater kids… but theater kid adjacent, with a heavy dose of social anxiety and stage fright.
I love Halloween. And Ren Faire. And Oktoberfest. And ComicCon… Basically I will throw myself at any opportunity to get “dressed up”. And so, my sewing adventures began with costume making. Costume making would eventually lead to Cosplay, which led to working with leather and various craft foams, where I used my skills as a traditionally trained artist to sculpt and paint armor and props.
You can find more of my handiwork here: https://noncompliantcosplay.wordpress.com/
Long story short; I love to work with my hands and to build things. Pottery is a natural extension of my passions and skills. It feels like a life unlived. It feels like I’ve finally found my way to something I only wish I had had access to as a younger person. I have zero regrets about my path, but Pottery feels like Home.
My education and training as a potter has continued post pandemic lock-down, with the help of a wonderful human and artist: https://janafisherpottery.com/
I’ve taken private lessons with Jana, and she’s generously opened her studio up for me to practice while we build our home studio; sharing her time, knowledge and resources. She has had an invaluable impact on my life and growth as a potter.
I must also give thanks to the many potters who take the time to share their knowledge online. I’ve spent countless hours watching videos on YouTube and perusing the work of artists on Instagram. I’ve learned so much and been so inspired by these folks. I would not be where I am without their generosity.
Follow my pottery journey on instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/vivelaviepottery/
Learn more about my Home Pottery Studio Build here: https://wordpress.com/post/leaping-rabbit.com/506
Leaping Rabbit 