What is a Potter?

Post by Judy Howell

After a 40+ years long career as a full time potter I know all too well there is so much more to being a potter than the steps involved in turning a lump of clay into a permanent work of art and craftsmanship. 

Geologist....what makes the best clay for my purpose and how did that clay come to be?

Chemist......raw chemicals mixed with water and fired to the right temperature = glaze. Sometimes a glaze will go south....what is wrong, how to fix the problem?

Electrician......troubleshooting and repairing kiln firing problems

Shipping specialist.......making sure those orders are properly packaged to safely survive transportation to customers.

Equipment repair specialist....troubleshooting problems with wheels and pugmills.

Public relations specialist....making customers happy and promoting my work.

Happy customers, yes, my ultimate goal! As one recent customer told me: "my mother is going to be so happy to get a new mug to replace the one she bought years ago and just broke.....it was her favorite mug! I see the look on her face and the sparkle in her eye as she unwraps her new mug and will once again look forward to her morning coffee with her favorite mug!