The Episode explores the concept of finding one's unique voice in pottery and emphasizes that the key difference between those who have found their pottery voice and those who haven't lies in belief and confidence. The Host, Nic Torres, challenges the notion that the quality of one's pottery determines their voice. Instead, he argues that belief in one's own style, theme, and direction is what defines their voice, regardless of the pottery's appearance. Nick offers advice on developing confidence in one's pottery work by creating a large quantity of work, seeking inspiration from other potters, and trusting one's instincts. The script concludes with an invitation to take a short quiz designed to help potters assess how close they are to discovering their unique voice. Take this Free Quiz to see how close you are to finding your pottery voice click here to take the quiz shapingyourpottery.com/quiz Join The Shaping Your Pottery Newsletter By Clicking This Link shapingyourpottery.com/newsletter

In this episode of Shaping Your Pottery, host Nic Torres talks about the importance of giving yourself permission to make the pottery you truly want. Highlighting an interview with Ron Philbeck, who embraced his unique style by allowing himself to create quirky, illustrated pottery, Nick encourages listeners to overcome limitations and explore new techniques. By sharing his own journey from wheel throwing to incorporating sculpting into his work, Nick illustrates how experimenting and not confining oneself to the expectations of others can lead to finding one's own pottery voice. He concludes with an invitation to access 53 pottery themes for inspiration on his website, shapingyourpottery.com. Get your 53 themes by clicking this link shapingyourpottery.com/53themes

This episode features an in-depth conversation with Oscar Yaquian, a potter known for his monster-themed pottery. Oscar discusses his journey from sculpting in childhood to embracing ceramics in high school, and how various techniques keep his work exciting. He shares insights on starting with a basic form before adding details, utilizing social media for promotion, and the transition to becoming a full-time potter. Oscar emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process, constantly creating, and finding a unique style. The discussion covers technical advice on pottery, leveraging social media for business growth, and personal reflections on finding one's voice in art. You can learn more about Oscar by checking out his instagram here https://www.instagram.com/oscaryaquian/ Join The Shaping Your Pottery Newsletter To Dive Deeper Into New Pottery Techniques By Clicking This Link Here 👉 shapingyourpottery.com/newsletter 00:00 Meet Oscar: The Potter with a Passion for Monster Pottery 00:13 Exploring Oscar's Creative Process and Techniques 01:31 The Evolution of Oscar's Pottery: From Childhood to Monster Mugs 03:52 Mastering Pottery: Oscar's Journey Through Education and Techniques 05:44 The Birth of Monster Pottery: Finding a Unique Style 13:56 From Hobby to Full-Time Potter: Oscar's Business Journey 16:53 Leveraging Social Media for Pottery Success 20:28 Advice for Aspiring Potters: Selling, Technique, and Finding Your Voice 26:08 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Oscar

Nic Torres discusses the impact of keeping a journal or sketchbook for pottery, detailing his personal experience with journaling and how it has facilitated his creative process. Initially resistant due to the time commitment, Nic found that replacing idle time with journaling helped him organize his tasks, set monthly goals, and brainstorm ideas to improve his pottery. He shares a specific breakthrough in his mug designs achieved through journaling, which led to the development of a more efficient method for creating mugs with sculptural elements. Torres concludes that while journaling may not be for everyone, it has significantly benefited his pottery practice and creativity. Additionally, he offers listeners access to 53 pottery themes to help find their unique voice in pottery. Get your 53 themes by clicking this link shapingyourpottery.com/53themes

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery,' host Nic Torres shares insights on how treating pottery like a regular nine to five job can dramatically improve your craft. The idea, inspired by a conversation with full-time potter Ron Philbeck, suggests setting a dedicated daily work schedule for pottery, whether it's the whole day or just a couple of hours. This routine helps build the habit of consistent practice, which is crucial for finding one's unique voice in pottery. Ron's method demonstrates that regardless of when you choose to work, the key is dedicating consistent, focused time to the craft every day. Nic emphasizes that this structured approach not only fosters discipline and productivity but also accelerates the journey towards developing a distinctive style in pottery. Take this Free Quiz to see how close you are to finding your pottery voice click here to take the quiz shapingyourpottery.com/quiz

This episode features an in-depth conversation with Kim Canfield, a potter renowned for her baby face mugs among other pottery works. Kim shares her journey from intending to pursue exercise science and PT to discovering her passion for pottery and ceramics due to sports-related injuries. Working in children’s hospitals influenced her profoundly, inspiring some of her pottery pieces. Kim discusses the evolution of her work, including the concept behind her baby face mugs and larger sculptures, which are deeply connected to her experiences in children's behavioral centers and psychiatric facilities. Teaching pottery and encouraging students to find their unique voice in their creations is also a significant aspect of Kim's career. Additionally, Kim shares insights into the business side of pottery, emphasizing the importance of making work that truly resonates with the artist. The episode also highlights Kim's personal exploration and connection to her work, her advice for emerging potters on finding their voice, and the joy and challenges of working in ceramics. You can learn more about Kim by checking out her instagram https://www.instagram.com/babyfacemugs/ Join The Shaping Your Pottery Newsletter By Clicking This Link shapingyourpottery.com/newsletter 00:00 Introduction to Kim Canfield: The Potter with a Unique Voice 01:00 Mastering Pottery: Lessons from Failure and Education 01:55 Kim's Journey from Sports to Pottery 07:25 The Inspiration Behind Baby Face Mugs and Sculptures 09:33 Exploring Mental Health Through Art 15:01 From Serious Themes to Playful Creations: Cereal Mugs 20:26 The Business of Pottery: Teaching, Selling, and Finding Your Voice 29:52 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Kim

This episode features an enlightening conversation with Ron Philbeck, a renowned potter known for his quirky and illustrated pottery. Ron shares his journey into pottery, beginning from his post-college years to becoming a full-time potter. He highlights the importance of routine, passion, and authenticity in his practice, emphasizing how treating pottery as a regular job helped him stay disciplined. Ron's transition from making serious pottery to giving himself permission to create playful pots marks a significant shift in his career, reflecting his advice to other potters about being true to oneself. His technique involves bisque ware decoration using wax resist and underglaze, showing a unique blend of influences from children's books and personal experiences. Ron encourages emerging potters to find their unique voice, be open to trying new things, and maintain persistence in their craft. The episode concludes with Ron stressing the importance of community engagement and continuous improvement in pottery techniques. You can learn more about Ron by checking out his instagram here https://www.instagram.com/ronphilbeck/ Join The Shaping Your Pottery Newsletter By Clicking This Link shapingyourpottery.com/newsletter 00:00 Introduction to Ron Philbeck's Pottery Journey 00:58 The Art of Pottery: Ron's Philosophy and Routine 03:28 From Beginner to Potter: Ron's Origin Story 06:37 Mentorship and Growth in Pottery 11:41 Embracing Quirky Illustrations: A Creative Evolution 27:18 Finding Your Unique Voice in Pottery 33:15 Final Thoughts and Advice for Potters

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery with Nic Torres', Nic shares his personal experience with his first mug sale, which resulted in zero sales, leading to disappointment and frustration. However, Nic views this as a valuable learning opportunity, advocating for a positive mindset towards failure. He suggests that failure to sell can be attributed to either the product quality or ineffective marketing. This realization motivates him to improve his pottery and marketing strategies, such as learning new techniques and building an email list. Nick encourages setting small, achievable goals, like making a single sale, and gradually increasing these goals to track progress. He emphasizes analyzing failures to understand what needs improvement and shares his future plans for better showcasing and selling his pottery. Nick concludes by offering a free quiz to help listeners find their unique voice in pottery making. Take this Free Quiz to see how close you are to finding your pottery voice click here to take the quiz shapingyourpottery.com/quiz

In this insightful episode, our guest is Ana Shioshita, a multifaceted artist who balances her job in the film industry with her passion for pottery. Ana discusses her journey in pottery, starting from childhood experiences to her current work, emphasizing her love for making 'drippy' vases. She shares how working across different mediums and skills, such as woodworking and graphics, has contributed significantly to her pottery, allowing her to create unique and functional studio spaces and experiment with ceramic and wood lights. Ana talks about her reluctance to confine herself to a single style, believing that exploring various interests and ideas helps evolve her artistic voice. The episode delves into how her connection with the ocean inspires her work, leading to creations that reflect the organic movement and biological aspects of marine life. Ana also touches on the challenges of managing time between her career and pottery, and the importance of experimentation and keeping a sketchbook to record and revisit ideas. Finally, Ana encourages listeners to remain open to exploring new directions in their creative pursuits without fear. You can learn more about Ana by checking out her instagram here https://www.instagram.com/shioshita.ceramics/ The Questions we ask will determine how our pottery will look like that's why I created a Free 15 questions to help you discover your voice template go grab it here www.shapingyourpottery.com/questions 00:00 Introduction to Ana's Pottery Journey 00:48 Ana's Diverse Background and Its Impact on Her Pottery 02:14 The Early Beginnings of Ana's Pottery Passion 03:12 Rediscovering Pottery as an Adult and the Influence of Film 04:44 The Creative Process Behind Ana's Drippy Vases 07:06 Inspiration from the Ocean: Shaping Ana's Pottery 10:05 Exploring a Variety of Pottery Techniques 11:35 Finding and Managing Creative Ideas 13:35 Discovering Your Voice in Pottery 15:44 The Role of Diverse Materials in Ana's Artistic Growth 17:50 Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Your Unique Voice 20:06 Final Thoughts and Where to Learn More About Ana

This episode of 'Shape Your Pottery' features an in-depth conversation with Eva Funderburgh, an exceptional pottery artist known for her unique sculpture creatures. Host Nic Torres explores Eva's journey from her earliest encounters with pottery in school to her decision to pursue art over science, leading to the development of her distinctive sculptures. Eva shares her experiences with wood firing, residencies in Denmark, and the significance of community in her artistic development. The discussion delves into the challenges and successes of selling art, the importance of experimentation, and the evolution of Eva's work, which now includes public installations and diverse materials. Eva also provides insights into her creative process, her approach to discovering a unique artistic voice, and practical advice for aspiring artists. The episode highlights Eva's advocacy for persisting in artistic pursuits and encourages listeners to actively engage in shaping their pottery skills. You can learn more about eva by checking out her instagram@evafunderburgh Join The Shaping Your Pottery Newsletter By Clicking This Link shapingyourpottery.com/newsletter 00:00 Introduction: The Art of Sculpting with Eva Funderburk 00:49 Eva's Pottery Journey: From Community to Creativity 02:41 The Birth of Flying Creatures: A Dive into Public Art 05:19 Evolving Art: From Ceramics to Diverse Mediums 06:45 Revisiting Ideas: The Key to Artistic Growth 08:12 The Origin of Eva's Sculptures: A Tale of Monsters and Pottery 10:04 Discovering a Unique Artistic Voice 11:22 Building a Personal Wood Kiln: A Story of Flexibility and Control 12:51 The Magic of Wood Firing: A Collaboration with Fire 14:04 Sculpting Techniques: The Importance of Detail 15:21 Three Essential Tips for Aspiring Sculptors 17:53 Navigating the Business of Pottery: From Viral Success to Sales Strategies 24:10 Finding and Sharing Your Unique Voice in Pottery 26:50 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Eva

The importance of doing small alterations repeatedly to discover one's unique voice in pottery. Instead of striving for grand, extravagant changes, the speaker advises potters to focus on tiny adjustments, such as altering the shape of a pot or the design of a handle, to create something individualistic. The episode challenges listeners to reflect on recent work and identify one small change to implement, reinforcing the idea that innovation in pottery comes from consistent, small iterations. Additionally, the speaker offers a resource of 53 themes to help potters avoid burnout and establish a distinctive theme for their work.  Get your 53 themes by clicking this link shapingyourpottery.com/53themes

This Episode features an interview with Sonita Cannon who shares her journey from a high school art class discovery of ceramics to becoming a full-time potter with her own home studio and unique voice in the craft. Throughout the conversation, the importance of supportive people, from teachers to peers and family, is highlighted as a critical component of her growth and success. Sonita discusses the evolution of her work, from the initial challenges and learning experiences to innovatively incorporating techniques inspired by cake decorating to create distinct flower designs on her pottery. She shares stories of overcoming challenges, including the transition to her own studio space and the pivotal moments that propelled her business forward, such as viral social media exposure. Additionally, the conversation covers advice for aspiring potters on business skills, collaboration, embracing failure as a learning process, and the importance of patience and fun in discovering one's unique voice in pottery. You can learn more about Sonita by checking out her Instagram @juniperandlarkceramics Take this Free Quiz to see how close you are to finding your pottery voice click here to take the quiz shapingyourpottery.com/quiz  00:00 Welcome to the Pottery Journey 00:03 The Impact of People on the Pottery Path 01:06 The Beginnings of a Pottery Passion 02:03 Creating a Home Studio: Dreams to Reality 03:55 The Evolution of Pottery Style: From Functional to Floral 07:11 Exploring Techniques: The Art of Versatility 11:25 The Business Side of Pottery: Turning Passion into Profession 15:51 Discovering Your Unique Voice in Pottery 18:42 Collaborations and Growth: Expanding the Pottery Horizon 19:54 Embracing Failure: The Pathway to Success 22:15 Finding Your Unique Voice: Advice for Aspiring Potters 23:04 Final Thoughts and Where to Learn More

This Episode features an interview with potter Don Ricardo, who shares insights into his pottery journey, emphasizing experimentation, fun, and the essence of enjoying the process over commercial success. He reveals how he started pottery to create specific containers for his plants and how this led to a broader appreciation for his unique creations. Ricardo discusses the importance of trusting the journey, not focusing on the destination, and how various creative experiences contributed to his growth as an artist. He criticizes the commercialization of art and stresses making art for self-fulfillment, illustrated through his 'muffin story.' Ricardo also highlights his development from creating functional pottery to expressive art pieces, motivated by his concern for the environment and ancient civilizations. The interview delves into his unique, self-made pottery tools and unconventional techniques, emphasizing that one doesn't need expensive tools to create pottery. Finally, Ricardo offers advice to aspiring potters on finding their unique voice by researching, experimenting, and breaking norms. You can learn more about Don by checking out his Instagram @don_ricardo_ceramics Join The Shaping Your Pottery Newsletter and Learn New Pottery Techniques By Clicking This Link shapingyourpottery.com/newsletter 00:00 Kicking Off with Pottery Passion: The Basics and Beyond 00:46 The Journey Begins: From Necessity to Creativity 01:51 Embracing the Journey: Trusting the Process and Avoiding Traps 05:41 The Muffin Story: A Lesson in Creativity and Authenticity 07:41 Exploring New Horizons: The Evolution of Pottery Art 12:40 Crafting with Simplicity: The Art of Using Minimal Tools 21:00 Discovering Your Voice in Pottery: Tips and Techniques 31:36 Wrapping Up: The Essence of Making Art for Oneself

In this episode, Nic Torres delves into the significance of revisiting old ideas to enhance pottery skills and find one's unique voice. He cites an interview with Eva Funderburgh, who emphasized the benefits of repetition and returning to past ideas. Funderburgh shares an anecdote from her first show in Switzerland, where struggling for new ideas led her to create hanging sculptures, a pivotal moment in her sculptural journey. Revisiting these ideas not only helped refine her pottery but sparked new innovations. Nic encourages listeners to revisit their old pottery ideas to improve their skills and explore new ideas that can enrich their work.  Take this Free Quiz to see how close you are to finding your pottery voice click here to take the quiz shapingyourpottery.com/quiz

This episode features a deep dive into the life and creative process of Meredith Skyer, a potter who finds inspiration in exploring various art mediums and incorporates them into her pottery. Meredith discusses her lifelong fascination with creatures not of this world and how it influences her work, leading her to create pottery that blends functionality with imaginative, monstrous designs. She emphasizes the importance of connectivity with other artists through the internet for inspiration and support. Meredith's journey from initially engaging with clay as a child, majoring in English, to rediscovering her passion for pottery in college and eventually teaching it, showcases her commitment to the craft. She shares insights into her unique approach of incorporating multiple art forms into pottery, elaborates on the significance of keeping art playful and joyful, and highlights the importance of continuous learning. Meredith also shares how her son inspires her to appreciate the beauty in the mundane and the importance of staying present. The episode concludes with advice for artists on finding their unique voice and embracing the humbling nature of pottery. You can learn more about Meredtith By checking out her Instagram  Get your 53 themes by clicking this link shapingyourpottery.com/53themes

Join The Shaping Your Pottery Newsletter And Get Weekly Pottery Tips shapingyourpottery.com/newsletter In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery,' host Nic Torres has an in-depth conversation with Potter Terri Erasmus. Terri shares her journey into pottery, emphasizing the importance of starting without waiting for perfect conditions, embracing customer involvement in the creation process, and the value of having a support system. She recounts how opportunities like making 150 tumblers for a friend's request and handling large wholesale orders propelled her to transition to full-time pottery. Terri discusses her approach to simple yet beautiful pottery design, how making pottery accessible and affordable matters to her, and why she enjoys the flexibility and customer feedback that come with pre-order sales. Moreover, Terri provides insights into balancing pottery with being a parent and wife, learning from mistakes, and the business side of pottery, including transitioning from wholesale to focusing on pre-orders to better manage her workload and meet customer demands. The episode also covers discovering one's voice in pottery, delivering impactful advice for aspiring potters: have fun, don't wait for perfection, stay true to your designs, and embrace the learning journey. Terri can be followed on Instagram at 'Pots by Terry,' where she shares behind-the-scenes looks at her pottery making process. You can check out her Instagram Here @potsbyteri Take this Free Quiz to see how close you are to finding your pottery voice click here to take the quiz shapingyourpottery.com/quiz  00:00 Introduction to Terri Erasmus: The Potter's Philosophy 01:06 The Journey Begins: From First Touch to Business 06:55 Balancing Pottery, Parenthood, and Passion 09:11 Embracing Mistakes: The Growth of a Potter 12:14 The Art of Simplicity in Pottery Design 16:26 Innovating with Handles: A Potter's Creative Process 17:46 Exploring Pottery Design: Embracing Spontaneity and Mistakes 19:50 The Leap into Full-Time Pottery: A Journey of Growth and Opportunities 23:24 Navigating the Business: From Wholesale to Pre-Orders 31:03 Discovering Your Voice in Pottery 34:04 Final Thoughts: Embracing the Process and Having Fun

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery with Nic Torres,' the significance of seeking outside feedback for pottery is discussed. Nic shares a story about his friend, Sarah Connor, who faced challenges with her pottery endeavors, highlighting how external opinions helped her reassess and improve her work. Nic emphasizes the value of feedback in identifying mistakes and areas for growth, and he offers practical advice on how to gather insights from others. Suggestions include leveraging social media platforms like Instagram to engage with the pottery community and solicit opinions on one's work. He also suggests asking direct questions on social media, and consulting friends, family, or significant others for their honest perspectives. Concluding, Nic encourages listeners to seek out and utilize feedback to refine their pottery skills and discover their unique voice in the craft. The Questions we ask will determine how our pottery will look like that's why I created a Free 15 questions to help you discover your voice template go grab it here www.shapingyourpottery.com/questions Join The Shaping Your Pottery Newsletter By Clicking This Link shapingyourpottery.com/newsletter

In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery with Nic Torres',  explore ways to regain your motivation for pottery when you're feeling disconnected from your studio. Acknowledging the commonality of such phases, Nic shares personal experiences and tips from Annie Christbergs about overcoming the lack of desire to create. Key advice includes allowing yourself grace for not always being in the studio mood, setting achievable goals like making a small number of pottery pieces or spending a few minutes in the studio daily, making studio access as easy as possible, and setting deadlines to create a sense of urgency. The episode is designed to encourage potters to ease back into their creative processes without overwhelming themselves. Send Nic a Voicemail by clicking here https://www.speakpipe.com/ShapingYourPottery Join The Shaping Your Pottery Newsletter By Clicking This Link shapingyourpottery.com/newsletter

In this episode, the host Nic Torres delves into the thoughtful process of selecting personalized pottery gifts for those we admire, inspired by the concept of impactful interactions as mentioned in Tim Ferriss's 'Tools of Titans'. The discussion emphasizes the importance of considering the preferences and experiences of others while creating pottery, highlighting how this perspective can enrich the potter's craft and create more meaningful connections through their work. The episode also introduces 'Shaping Your Pottery', a newsletter aimed at helping potters refine their skills, find their unique voice, and share insights on successful pottery-related endeavors. Join The Shaping Your Pottery Newsletter By Clicking This Link shapingyourpottery.com/newsletter

This episode features Luke Bonecutter, a potter inspired by space and retrofuturism, who shares his journey from struggling with wheel throwing in high school to finding his unique voice in pottery. Luke discusses the transition from working with drippy glazes to embracing underglazes and brighter colors, inspired by his interest in maximalism and the aesthetics of space. He credits his growth to the supportive community of ceramic artists, critical evaluation of art, and the process of experimentation. Listeners will learn the importance of staying true to personal interests, the evolution of creative styles, and the value of social media in growing a pottery business. Luke emphasizes the significance of making work that is personally fulfilling to avoid burnout and achieve confidence in one's artistry. You can learn more about Luke by checking out his Instagram @cosmic.clay Get your 53 themes by clicking this link shapingyourpottery.com/53themes 00:00 Introduction to Luke Bone Cutter: The Space-Inspired Potter 01:25 Discovering Pottery: Luke's Journey from High School to Passion 03:03 The Evolution of Luke's Pottery Style: From Minimalism to Maximalism 05:47 The Birth of Bright Colored Pottery: An Accidental Discovery 06:47 Space and Retrofuturism: The Core Inspirations Behind Luke's Creations 08:29 Experimenting with New Forms: The Story of the UFO Mug 10:09 Embracing Maximalism: Luke's Philosophy on Pottery Design 12:08 The Business Side of Pottery: Going Full-Time and Leveraging Social Media 16:09 Finding Your Voice: Luke's Advice on Discovering Your Unique Pottery Style 21:47 Conclusion: Final Thoughts and Where to Find Luke Online