What music, audiobooks, or podcasts are filling your studio airtime lately?

Music: Almost like a theme or a guide, each month I prepare a playlist for myself that i’ll listen to on repeat; occasionally taking some time to exploring new music for the next month’s playlist.

Podcasts: When I am really locked in on a project, I’ll listen to podcasts. My favorites right now are: Dwarven Moss, My Brother My Brother And Me, Arcane Carolinas. I am drawn to podcasts that are narrative and somewhat suspenseful. Unlike music, podcasts help keep the part of my brain that isn’t working on the task at hand, occupied.

What new ceramics have you added to your collection this year that you can’t live without now?

While we were Vending together at an event last fall, I purchased a little sipper cup from Ware Ware studio (Located in Raleigh, NC) It is the size of a large stone and feels like one in my hand too. It is very comforting to hold. Hot tea, juice, or water. I always have it on me.

In an alternate life, what would you be doing?

For a period after graduating college, I did consider going back to school for agriculture/horticulture. I invisioned myself owning a good sized nursery/farm. Growing up in a rural area, Eastern NC, I have always gardened or tended to animals on our family’s small property. I would have loved to study agriculture and horticulture on a deeper level.

Share the most significant thing that happened to you and your work/studio practice in 2024?

A big work transition! After 4 years working at a community pottery studio as their studio coordinator, I resigned in the fall to pursue some dedicated time for teaching + making. While having an administrative responsibility directly related to my craft and passion, I was finding it difficult to spend time in my own studio. Now, I have a little bit more flexibility with my time, and I am more understanding of my priorities.

What big plans do you have for 2025?

In 2023, my husband and I bought our first home and began it’s renovation - doing all of the work ourselves, room by room. While, the housework comes first - we are almost finished! This means I can finally start on my plans to finish the shed studio. I am hoping to have the studio finished, and at least better insulated, by late fall.

Did you recently break something from your ceramic/pottery collection, if so what was it and what memories/associations/artist did that object hold for you? 

Yes! I dropped and broke my first and only Comal, which I bought at an outdoor market in Linares. This was on the most recent trip my dad and I took to visit family in Mexico. We drove the whole way from North Carolina because you can carry and bring back large items a bit easier. A comal is like a large griddle, perfect for tortillas. About the size of a large trashcan lid. We wrapped them carefully since they are so fragile - being made from lowfire earthenware. My plans were to build a small brick structure at our firepit, to place the comal over.

In college, I experimented a lot with low-fire bakeware. Not to mention how my parents are always asking me to make them some traditional cookware. I even have a pound of unopened mica!

I think this was little push of encouragement from the universe that now is a good time to do some experimenting!

What dream residency (either real or fantasy) would you like to attend?

I’d love to spend some time in Mexico, making pots. Learning from elders and the potters in the area.

Share your favorite (go to potluck) recipe? What ceramic piece do you serve it in?  

Deviled Eggs! I like to make mine with a little bit of hotsauce and pickled jalapeno. I always gravitate toward a mixed match set of Courtney Martin plates that I own. I love how the bright yokes contrast with the black + white design work.

Why Clay?

I associate clay with various connections. Clay connects me to cooking and cooking to family. Cooking a meal for someone, acts of service. The tenderness of caring for someone/something. Sharing stories, history and knowledge with others. Clay connects me to the earth; Tactile, seedlings, growth, nourishment and life. Through clay, I can maintain a connection with others, the land, and myself.