Rant Reprieve

I have been a grump. I wrote a post that I deleted before publishing. It felt good to put it in writing but decided it didn't need to be read by the world.
Yesterday in my grumpy non-productive state I went on a rant to Jeff about all things pottery business-wise that was bugging me. While he patiently listened, a FEDEX delivery arrived. Jeff accepted the package (which I thought was LED bulbs) and he said, "Hey, this is for you!". I hadn't ordered anything so I didn't have a clue what it could be.
It was from a facebook friend named Michele. A virtual potter friend that I have never met.

Inside the box was this sweet little pig!!

She purchased one of my piggy banks this winter and said she really loves him. When she came across this little pig she thought of me and decided to send it as a gift. He is a spirit pig and the card that came with him said that the Spirit Pig can help you attract abundance, fertility, honesty, leadership and protection in your everyday life.

This thoughtful gift stopped my rant dead in it's tracks. It came at the perfect time. Isn't the online world amazing? Thank you Michele, this little pig will have a special place in my home.

It's time for me to move on and get back to work.

Pot Roast...

or pork roast?

Jeff loaded the bisque kiln and when I went to unload it, I had to laugh at the mini piglets inside the baking dishes. Next up...

pulled pork

... yes, I think the hot weather has fried my brain.

Pigs, Pots, and the life of a Potter

This is a small sampling of what's been happening in studio for me...

 Teeny tiny pigs... I made a few back in March. They sold rather quickly. Someone messaged me on Etsy and asked if I was the little pig maker. She bought the last one (that wasn't on Etsy) and ordered two more. The little pigs are almost harder to make than my standard piggy bank, but I do sell them for less. I think if I keep making them they will go a little quicker.
Some clay artists might say ask why we make piggy banks when we make so many more artistic pots?
My answer is... Piggy banks sell. In order for us to make a living solely on pottery, we need to make pots that pay the bills. I think we allow ourselves the time to make both the pots that sell quickly, and the pots that exemplify our artistic talent. It's all about a balance.

Just work.

In the meantime, we still put our heart and soul into EVERY pot we make.