Handmade
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I feel the need to address issues of production here on the blog. Those who know me either personally or professionally know I take great pride in my work. Each piece is hand crafted from scratch. While other production methods exist that could increase the amount of pottery I am able to produce those manufacturing techniques would remove my hand from the process. This is something I’m not comfortable with. I make my pots the old fashioned way, one at a time. Handcraft is important to me, being a craftsperson even more important. I truly believe a handmade object has more to it. More energy, more personality and character. I could go on and on about this, but if you’re reading this you probably understand what I mean. I am a process person. Process takes time and energy.
The updates are my way of making my work available to those who cannot visit me in person. My show schedule remains the best way to find the largest selection and variety of pottery. The vast majority of my studio production goes to shows.
I have had many inquires about the availability of Sock Summit mugs. I am NOT currently making that design. My show schedule is tight. After a show is finished I transition production to the next show on the schedule. Revisiting designs or filling special orders must wait until I finish with the obligations I have on my calendar. I do intend on making a small quantity of that design. If you have previously contacted my please know I have a list and you will be contacted as I have pieces available. At this time I expect to have that design available in December.
I am so appreciative of the positive press and word of mouth I receive. Please continue to follow my work, our studio and our growing family. Please understand that my family is changing and growing and that takes priority in my life. This means the studio, and my work will undergo changes too. Please be patient.
The connections I have with my customers is part of what makes this journey extraordinary. You all invite my work, and by extension, me, into your homes and to your daily rituals. Thank-you.
I really enjoyed the photo essay that went along with this post. As a budding knitware designer, I completely understand the need to have one’s hand in the process, and how long it can take to get something one can be proud of. My goal is to eventually make enough sales to be able to splurge on a set of your mugs, and a yarn bowl…hopefully at a future trade show where I hope to be able to swing a booth 😉 But if not, at least I know I have the shop option 🙂
Jennie – I love you for saying this. As a dyer, I appreciate that your hands touch each piece of pottery, just as my hands touch each skein/braid. I look forward to seeing you at Rhinebeck and finally getting a pot. It’ll be worth the wait – of that I have no doubt.
I’m not sure if I emailed you back then, but in March 2010 my husband gave me the best anniversary gift ever – four of your Robin mugs. I bought one when I saw you at the Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago and broke it about two weeks after my husband and I got married – I was especially devastated because the wedding theme was very closely related to the mug image (my name is Robin = bird, my husband’s name means “tree” in Hebrew, so we had birds and trees) and I was so scared it was some kind of omen. So he contacted you and you made four new Robin mugs, I can only assume they were special orders. It was seriously one of the best and most thoughtful gifts ever. I use those four mugs EVERY day, well not all at once, but I use a Robin mug every day, they are my absolute favorites. So … THANK YOU. 🙂
Enjoy your beautiful son! The pictures remind me of mine being born 18 and 21 yrs ago! It’s good to hear you say family comes 1st even tho your work is in demand. I enjoy drinking from one of your sheep mugs every day! Best wishes!