The Potter In The Wild Challenge isn’t really about pottery; it’s about celebrating the people behind the craft! A personal journey to connect with other potters inspired this project as I believe sharing our stories can foster a deeper appreciation for the art and build a stronger community.
The first time I sold my pottery was at a bustling harvest market in Sweden. It was thrilling yet intimidating. I got chatting with a customer who was a collector of pottery. She effortlessly dropped names of renowned potters, and a humbling realization washed over me. I felt completely ignorant as I hadn’t a clue who she was talking about. I had been busy learning how to make pots and embarrassingly, forgotten that there was a whole world of pottery out there.
I became driven to connect with the artists who have shaped and continue to shape the world of ceramics. I began to study other potters, borrowing books from the library and from the community studio and though I learned a lot about their work and what inspires them, I felt traditional interviews failed to capture the essence of their creative journeys.
The idea of an interview series bagan to emerge. Certain that I’m not alone in my curiosity about the creative journey . The ‘Potter In The Wild Challenge’ began to take shape as I envisioned a space where potters could share their personal motivations, challenges, and triumphs. All of the areas that shaped their personality and artistic journey. I called it a challenge because it can be challenging to share your personal story with the world. It’s comfortable to hide behind our art!
Sharing personal stories can be daunting, but there’s something comforting about connecting over a shared meal. Being Irish, I feel most at home sitting around the kitchen table and I would love to build a similarly cosy, safe space to have a chat and share. I hope that by allowing potters to share their stories, that I can help others connect with their art and appreciate the incredible talent and dedication that goes into making each piece.
As Brene Brown says, “Belonging so fully to yourself that you’re willing to stand alone is a wilderness – an untamed, unpredictable place of solitude and searching. – The bravest and most sacred place you will ever stand!”. Sharing our personal stories as potters requires a similar kind of courage. It’s about being vulnerable, authentic, and willing to share the parts of ourselves that make us unique. By stepping into this wilderness together, we can build a stronger community and deepen our appreciation for the craft.
Let’s challenge each other to step outside of our comfort zones and embrace the wilderness together!
Brene Brown – Braving The Wilderness
