Quite the learning experience. Prior-to the BPG Fall sale, I had only sold or gifted by word-of-mouth.
I jumped in to share and contribute in any small way to the sale. As I noted in my previous post, it was amazing to see the diversity of styles and talent on display. Pottery is humbling enough in its own way with the challenges it presents to a creator. Seeing the amount of production and techniques that the Guild members presented was also humbling, but it inspires me to continue taking further steps in my development.
I was only able to display approximately 37 pieces in the beginning. Upon coming by the sale on my lunch break from the magazine, I discovered that I had to replenish my display with 8 more of the late firing pieces that I did with Willi and Berit. I was jazzed. I expected a sale or two of my work.. but had kept my expectations low. On clean-up day, Sunday I re-packed 7 remaining pieces.
I learned a little about pricing. . l think. Four people told me I was under-priced. Two shared that I was over-priced. I received 3 e-mails from people who bought my work requesting more info on future firings. I now mull over my direction as a part-time potter. When I began this blog, it was a way for me to mostly share this process of coming back to an art form that I enjoy – with friends and family. I just like “makin’ stuff”. Years from now, it is funny to fantasize that an archeological dig will uncover a shard of one of my pieces showing my stamp.
But it’s also very gratifying knowing that someone is enjoying some coffee or tea with one of my pieces, or slurping up some ramen or cereal in one of my bowls. Thanks to all who supported the local arts in Boulder County!
iPhone shot of my very first display of work.
I participated in my first sale in September. I only had about 20 pieces, yarn bowls, mugs and the like. I took part in the sale by physically manning the booth and the first two pieces I sold were my mugs. It was neat to meat the person buying the mugs, she also thought it was neat to meat the potter who created her purchase. I too was told my prices were too low. However, our guild holds sales at community centers, where the clientele is mostly senior citizens.
I’m kind of at the point where I’m not too concerned with how much I make. If I make enough to buy a few bags of clay, or pay for some classes then I’m satisfied.
I like your blog!
Thanks! I like hearing about your studio build. I’m currently very slowly gearing the basement up here to do some art work. I’m a graphic designer by profession, so the stuff I do in Ceramics is for my own creative growth. Not looking to make a living as a potter. I think when I was doing production pottery as a college student, it burned me out.
I’m glad you like it. I don’t think I could ever try being a production potter. I hate the idea of ever getting burned out, I could see that happening though.