I used to think of myself as a designer who invented products to be manufactured. Now, although factories and processes like slip-casting ceramics with moulds still fascinate me, I have come to realize that a small business can only afford to make a very small collection. The investment, time and quantity minimums are huge . Warehousing on two continents is complex.  Issues arise that are completely out of my control (like a pandemic!) Design is not only aesthetics and feel, its about how an object works, and the devil is in the details.

I love to work with clay, it’s immensely tactile, satisfying, and therapeutic!

Designing and developing a product for manufacturing takes months, whereas the cycle times for studio ceramics are much shorter and the options and variations are endless. I like to make families of products, refining forms, optimising functionality, experimenting with different clay bodies and techniques, textures, sizes... glazing is yet another avenue of infinite possibilities. To handmake a piece from start to finish is a delight.

Etsy is a great venue to explore ideas and connect with customers. I connect with my customers differently through Etsy than with traditional retail shops, and I get important feedback, reviews and photos.

Having an Etsy shop lets me get my hands messy with clay and make one-of-a-kind ceramics. As an entrepreneur, I easily get sucked into business operations, so with Etsy I find a balance between my office desk and creative time in my pottery studio. I’ve found Etsy to be a great partner to showcase my ceramics worldwide.