Original Handcrafted Ceramic Pottery

Stephanie has always had a “Passion For Pottery” – hence the name – this is her story….

“For me, pottery making is a very rewarding experience in both a creative and spiritual sense.  To take a wedge of clay into my hands and give it form, will then give it life, this is a great accomplishment.”

When I was a child, I spent the majority of my time playing outside.  I was, and still am today, a real “nature” enthusiast.  I played with bugs and cared for baby birds and even gone as far as harboring tadpoles in my parent’s attic until they grew to frogs!  I also love to garden and just generally be outside.

Then the day came when I mixed water with dirt.  I discovered the wonderful texture of MUD.  I didn’t realize it then, but this would be my first lesson in pottery making.  I loved to play with the mud and make, of course, mud pies.  What kid hasn’t done that and loved it!  I also discovered with the mud that I could hand build such things as plates, bowls and build sculptural pieces – what messy fun I had.

As I grew older, playing “in the mud” eventually fell to the wayside.  I then discovered Play Dough!  Oh what fun I had being creative with this stuff – and what fun my parents had picking it out of the carpet!

Throughout my teenage years I ventured into various creative hobbies such as drawing, oil painting, flower arranging, sewing and general arts and crafts.  During my years in high school my art classes were my favorite courses.  It was in my art classes that I learned to throw my first bowls.  Although these bowls were heavy and “clunky” they were my first handcrafted pieces of pottery and I was very proud of them.  I still have and use one of those bowls today.

Shortly after graduating high school in 1982, I was engaged to my high school sweetheart (Paul), and two years later we bought a house and got married.

“Clay is very forgiving – some of my favorite pieces are those that I thought would not turn out so well.”

In June of 1996, Paul and I were attending our niece’s 7^th birthday celebration.  Family and friends were gathered around watching her open her gifts.  There was one gift she received that caught my attention.  So much so, that when she opened it I shouted out “WOW! That’s a great gift!”  Everyone around me, including my niece looked at me and laughed at my joyful outburst.  They were surprised at my excitement towards this gift.  The gift my niece received was a “toy” potter’s wheel.

Two months after my niece’s birthday, my birthday rolled around.  Paul had planned a small party for me.  As I sat and opened my gifts I was given a familiar shaped box.  I opened it and sure enough it was the same toy pottery wheel my niece had received for her birthday.  Everyone laughed at my “gag” gift, but again, I was just as excited as the first time.  I was very eager to attempt to throw a pot on this “miniature” battery-operated wheel!

Much to my surprise, this gag gift was part of a most memorable present.  Paul had registered me for 10 weeks of “real” pottery classes with a professional potter!  I was filled with joy.  Now this truly was a GREAT gift.  By the way, I did manage to throw a “very” miniature pot on that toy pottery wheel – I was quite impressed with myself. J

“Clay has endless possibilities – there is always something I can create with it.”

I started my first pottery class in September of 1996. I can recall the first time I watched my teacher give a demonstration on the potters wheel, I was totally amazed at the process, and knew I had to learn this art form. My first few weeks of throwing were fun (and messy), but all I could produce were heavy, lopsided pots! My teacher encouraged me and told me it takes much practice to learn how to throw and to just keep practicing.

It’s been over 10 years now since that first class. I have come a very long way with my pottery making since that time and my skills as an artist and potter have greatly improved, as well as my creativity level.

In 1998 I purchased my own potter’s wheel and kiln.  I converted two rooms in my home to studio space and started producing pottery.  I began selling my pottery at work and also became involved in local craft shows.  I did quite well selling my wares and have established return customers.  I have also done commissioned work, which has been a rewarding experience. 

“Working with clay allows me to release my feelings and express my mood.  The outcome of my work can be soft or rough, happy or sad.  Each piece I create is an extension of me personally.”

Now, after working in “Corporate America” for over 20 years, and feeling the need for a major change in my life, I’ve decided to turn my career path in a completely different direction.  I’m taking the leap of faith in a career as a full time potter.

In addition, I have established this new website, passionforpottery.com.  This website was a wonderful Christmas gift from my husband.  Thanks honey, you’re the best.

I am enthusiastic about my website and although it is a lot of work, I have fun working on it.  I am anticipating this website to be a productive tool for my business.  Please be sure to check back often because I will be adding new pottery items and information.

This is certainly a dream coming true for me.  I am very fortunate to have the support of family and friends to help me achieve my pottery career goals, and most importantly, I want to thank my loving husband who certainly plays a major part in making my dream a reality.

Thank you for reading my story.

“With persistence and a whole lot of optimism, cherished goals can be reached – if you can dream it, you can do it, dreams come true, imagine your possibilities, and transform your world.”