In this episode of 'Shaping Your Pottery,' host Nic Torres emphasizes that potters don't need to create extravagant pieces to find their unique voice in pottery. He encourages artists to pursue what excites them, even if it's simple pottery, and to ignore outside opinions about how they should modify their work. Nic suggests seeking feedback from a variety of sources, including other potters and loved ones, to determine if you're on the right path but stresses the importance of listening to your own feelings of excitement and satisfaction as the true indicator. The episode concludes with an offer for listeners to access 53 themes to help them find a theme for their pottery, aiming to assist potters in defining their work and becoming known for something specific.

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In this episode, Nic Torres shares his experiences after two weeks of replacing social media scrolling with journaling, focusing on pottery and personal growth. He discusses how using a pocket notebook without a structured approach has helped him jot down random thoughts, pottery ideas, feelings, and goals. Nic highlights how this practice has not only fostered creativity but also kept him on track with his goals by allowing him more time to think and generate new ideas. He suggests that journaling could be beneficial for others looking to improve their focus and creativity. Additionally, Nic offers a free 15-question booklet to help listeners discover their unique pottery voice.

go grab it here www.shapingyourpottery.com/questions

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This episode features an intimate conversation with Lucy Be Phillips, a potter known for her slip-decorated teapots and unique ceramic pieces. Lucy shares her journey from studying sculpture and feeling unfulfilled by conceptual art to discovering a profound connection with pottery. Early fears of surface decoration led to years of focus on form and function until her experiences, particularly an influential stint in Italy and an introspective period while decorating her tiny house, encouraged her to experiment with color and design. Lucy discusses the discipline learned from various pottery practices, including wood firing and apprenticeships, and how these experiences shaped her approach and technique. Teaching pottery has allowed Lucy to reflect on her process and learn from students, underscoring the importance of embracing one's unique voice. She highlights the significance of patience in selling one's work, finding the right market, and the transformative power of recognizing and pursuing one's true artistic direction. Lucy’s story is a testament to the idea that the journey of a potter is long, filled with learning, personal growth, and the continuous discovery of one's voice within the craft. You can learn more about Lucy by checking out her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lucy_be.ceramics/

00:00 Welcome to Shaping Your Pottery: The Journey Begins
00:14 Discovering Pottery: Lucy B Phillips' Story
00:24 Overcoming Fear: The Art of Surface Decoration
03:50 From Mud Australia to Italian Mastery: A Potter's Evolution
10:42 Embracing Whimsy: The Creative Process Unveiled
15:43 The Business of Pottery: Making a Living from Your Craft
17:14 Teaching Pottery: Sharing Knowledge and Finding Joy
20:32 Finding Your Voice: The Path to Unique Pottery
27:48 Final Thoughts: Embracing the Pottery Journey