POTTERYFORAPURPOSE
In October 2024, I started a nonprofit business on Etsy called PotteryForAPurpose driven by my belief that art can be a powerful way to make change. When I first started making pottery, I struggled to get the hang of it. At first, it felt challenging and frustrating when I couldn’t control the clay under my hands when throwing on the wheel, or when I had an air bubble and my piece exploded in the kiln. However, over time I grew to love the process and found it to be a calming, almost meditative part of my life. Through my business, I combine my passion for pottery with a mission to create meaningful change. In my business model, 100% of the proceeds from PotteryForAPurpose sales are donated to Casa Marianella, an Austin-based charitable organization that supports displaced immigrants by providing shelter, legal aid, educational programs, and other vital services. With PotteryForAPurpose, I hope to not only share my love for pottery but also build a community committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
MY PROCESS
Creating a single ceramic piece involves many steps. I begin by wedging the clay to remove air bubbles and ensure its consistency. Clay itself is a sustainable material - it can be recycled and reused multiple times with the help of a Peter Pugger. Once the clay is ready, I take my wedged cone to the wheel and start throwing. Throwing a bowl is a process in itself, requiring precision and coordination. First, I center the clay using my whole body, then press my thumbs into the middle to create an opening, and gradually lift the walls to form the desired shape.
When the bowl is shaped to my liking, I use a propane torch to speed up the drying process until it reaches a leather-hard state. Often, I let the bowl rest wrapped in plastic for a day before trimming. Trimming is when the bowl truly takes shape - excess clay is removed, and a foot is added to give the piece stability.
Next, the bowl undergoes a bisque firing to harden the clay. After this initial firing, the piece can be dip-glazed or hand-painted. I enjoy painting portraits on my bowls, incorporating elements from my background in traditional art to make each piece uniquely my own. Finally, the bowl is glaze-fired, a transformative step that adds color, texture, and durability.
What makes handmade ceramics special is their individuality - no two pieces are ever the same. Even if I attempt to recreate a design, subtle variations in glaze application, kiln temperature, and mixing can lead to unexpected and beautiful results. I've come to embrace these imperfections because they make every piece truly one of a kind.
MY PRODUCTS
