Wheel Talk
Ryan Durbin (@rdceramics) & Becca Otis (@5linespottery) share their experiences as potters, makers, small business owners, and creatives. Becca is a full time studio potter, while Ryan is a full time website developer and part time potter. We'd love to share our ups and downs along the way as we build our skills as makers and small business owners in an honest, informal manner. We hope to bring you helpful tips we've learned over the years, learn from each other, and share expertise from a number of guests with you also. Please join us for some Wheel Talk!
Wheel Talk
#263 - Cohesion vs. creativity in your pottery
Ryan & Becca tackle a listener question today about the importance of having a cohesive style in pottery. Two Sisters Pottery includes a sibling duo creating work in varying styles today. We discuss the balance between creative freedom and branding, offering insights on how diverse styles can coexist within a single pottery business. Thanks for listening!
Listener Questions
On this episode:
- I’ve been doing pottery for several years now, but just got into doing it full time and making larger scale works (8lb+). I noticed when I have days I’m throwing all day that my lower back is just completely spent. Even just bending over the sink is really difficult to maintain balance at the end of a throwing day. I have very, very, very minor scoliosis which might also be contributing to this. I don’t really notice this on days I’m throwing small pots, but only when I’m centering larger amounts. Do you have any tips, tricks, or even certain exercises to minimize physical issues like this? I know Becca has mentioned she has carpel tunnel. I do wrist stretches but am not sure how to position myself so I don’t have that much back pain (other than configuring a standing wheel). I’m only in my mid twenties and want to continue doing this for a long time @Hannahsceramicstudio
- I’m wanting to know your opinion on having a cohesive look throughout your work. I’ve been doing pottery for over 3 years now and still in love with all the techniques that are possible. Maybe there is more cohesiveness than I think but how important is that for a business do you think? This is my sister and my page as she also does pottery. Her style is much more whimsical and there’s also not many of her works as she doesn’t do this nearly as much as I do. Thanks for answering! Love the podcast!! -Natalie Deters, Two Sisters Pottery
Send us questions so we can answer anything you've been thinking about on a future episode. Send those through Instagram @wheeltalkpodcast or email us at wheeltalkpodcast@gmail.com.
Sponsors
L&L Kilns - The durable kiln that potters trust to fire evenly & consistently. Find your L&L kiln at hotkilns.com
Smith Sharpe Refractory - Find out which Advancer Kiln Shelves are right for you at kilnshelf.com.
Speedball Ceramics - Check out their new underglaze formula and colored plastic bats online or from a distributor near you. Find out more at speedballart.com.
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