From Procrastination to Purpose: The Potter’s Journey
Kilns, Coffee, and Finding Meaning in the Chaos
Dear Friends of Creek Road Pottery,
As the snow begins to fall and the studio buzzes with activity, it feels like the perfect moment to connect with you all. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of clay, creativity, and the occasional existential crisis. There's something about the first snowfall that brings both a sense of urgency and a desire to pause and reflect. It seems fitting to share some updates, reflections, and maybe even a laugh or two from the pottery shed.
Life at the pottery has been anything but predictable lately. Between battling procrastination, adjusting to new materials, and unexpected life events, the journey has been a mix of challenges and small victories. Yet, through it all, there's a thread of purpose that keeps everything stitched together. Here are some stories and thoughts from recent days that highlight this journey from procrastination to purpose.
1. The Just-In-Time Potter’s Dance
The Christmas show looms just around the corner, and the studio is alive with a frenzy of activity. About fifty mugs are currently nestled in the heat box, drying with the help of a trusty dehumidifier. These aren't just any mugs; each one carries the hope of bringing warmth and joy to someone during the holiday season. The bowls, twenty-eight of them to be exact, are next on the list. The clock ticks louder with each passing day, turning the process into a high-stakes dance where every move counts.
This last-minute rush isn't new—it's become an almost expected part of the creative process here. There's a certain energy that comes with working under pressure, a focus that sharpens when deadlines loom. Techniques honed over years, like batch throwing and using a heat box for even drying, become invaluable. While the just-in-time approach can be stressful, it also brings out a kind of raw authenticity in the work, reminding us that perfection isn't the goal—connection is.
2. Work That Matters
Beyond the clay and glaze, there's a deeper purpose driving the work in the studio. The pots being crafted aren't just functional items; they're vessels of change. A portion of the revenue from each piece goes toward supporting single parents and survivors of domestic abuse within the community. This mission was inspired by personal experiences close to home, where the impact of domestic violence became all too real.
Recently, efforts were focused on helping a friend and her son move to safety. This friend, an incredible artist in her own right, had been working under immense stress and hardship. Assisting her wasn't just about providing physical help; it was about offering support and solidarity. Witnessing her courage and imagining the art she'll create now that she's free from her situation brings immense hope. It reinforces the belief that the work done here extends far beyond the pottery wheel—it touches lives.
3. Embracing the Game
The first snow day of the season usually signals a time to cozy up with a good book and a warm drink. But this year, it brought a different kind of challenge. With a new, stiffer clay body to work with and a self-imposed tight schedule, the usual comfort of a snow day turned into a strategic game of time management. The electricity flickered with the storm, but thanks to planning, the treadle wheel and gas kilns kept the work moving forward.
Embracing this game means adapting to unexpected hurdles and finding creative solutions. The theme for the upcoming Christmas show centers on togetherness, featuring larger serving pieces designed to bring people around the table. Despite the obstacles, including the stiff clay and the temptation to procrastinate, there's a determination to see this vision come to life. The process serves as a reminder that sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination.
4. On Procrastination and Perfection
Procrastination has been a frequent visitor in the studio lately. It's easy to get caught up in the allure of waiting for the "perfect" moment to create. But perhaps procrastination isn't just a hindrance; maybe it's a tool that forces clarity and prioritization when time becomes scarce. When the luxury of endless hours isn't available, what truly matters comes sharply into focus.
There's an acceptance that not every pot will be perfect, and that's okay. The act of creating many pieces rather than fixating on perfecting a few has its own benefits. It allows for practice, growth, and the opportunity to bring joy to more people. It's a shift from seeking perfection to seeking connection, from fearing mistakes to embracing the learning they bring. After all, isn't the imperfect mug with the fingerprint in the glaze often the one that feels most personal and cherished?
5. Gratitude in the Chaos
Amidst the chaos of deadlines, snowstorms, and life’s unexpected turns, there’s a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the ability to create, for the community that supports and inspires, and for the small moments of peace found in a steaming cup of coffee on a cold morning. Even when the kiln doesn't fire as expected or the clay doesn't cooperate, there's appreciation for the lessons learned and the stories that emerge.
This gratitude extends to recognizing the privilege of being able to use art to make a tangible difference in others' lives. Knowing that the work may help someone feel less alone or bring people together around a shared meal adds depth to each piece crafted. It's a reminder that even in the midst of personal challenges and global uncertainties, there's still space to contribute something positive to the world.
Looking Ahead
As the kilns continue to fire and the studio hums with the rhythm of creation, there's much to anticipate. The Christmas show is fast approaching, and The Back Road Christmas Trail promises to be a celebration of community and craftsmanship. There's no guarantee that everything will go off without a hitch, but there's faith in the process and confidence in the purpose behind the work.
The support and encouragement from all of you make this journey worthwhile. Whether it's through purchasing a piece, sharing words of encouragement, or simply appreciating the art from afar, your involvement adds meaning to every pot thrown and every glaze applied.
Parting Thought
Maybe today is a good day to show up, embrace the imperfections, and see what unfolds. The coffee might be cold by now, the clay might be stiff, but the possibilities are still endless. After all, it's not just about the pots; it's about the connections they foster and the lives they touch.
Join the Conversation
How are you creating work that matters in your own life? What keeps your personal kiln firing, literally or metaphorically? You're invited to share your thoughts, stories, or even a simple hello. Community isn't just built in person; it's also woven through shared experiences and open hearts.
Warmly,
Creek Road Pottery
P.S.
The Christmas show on the Back Road Christmas Trail is just days away! Watch for updates on new pieces and perhaps a last-minute kiln opening livestream. Because, as always, the show must go on, and there’s always room for a bit of excitement in the final hours.
