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.
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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.
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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.
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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
