Open Sky: MuddyPotts

A couple months ago I started selling my pottery on another e-commerce site: OpenSky.

If you haven't stopped by yet, I welcome you to do so today for a special FREE SHIPPING offer! Use the coupon code: firstdayofspring and have your new muddypotts piece shipped for nothing! 

Day Old Pottery

Usually I say they're fresh out of the kiln. When they are. Today these pieces are a day old. Kind of like bread at the bakery, only I don't recommend eating them...

MiaMi Planter

Be Brave Planter

Yadro + Orange Bowl 

Red + Black Pagoda Bowl

Black on White Vase

InSpiRed by Friends Near and Far

bisque ware

Every now and then I get into a non-creative funk. I usually disconnect from GOD, family, friends...Its not intentional, it just happens. Then I'm overcome with guilt for being the way I am and have to hit bottom before I can change my attitude and get back to being ME. 

A few weeks ago I decided to put MuddyPotts on vacation until March 17th. I haven't been throwing due to some physical pain I'm trying to work out. Today I've decided to bite the bullet, do what I can and move forward. 

I have been inspired by several artistic friends. One being my dear friend Robin Norgren who always finds a way to face the fear and balances her creative life with the fullness of her family life. She is currently working on another book, Savor Your Life, in which she has so graciously asked me to be a part of. Another inspiration is my friend Kelly Thiel. She was recently honored with one of her sculptures published in a book called 500 Figures in Clay Volume 2. 

A couple weeks ago, my husband and I saw the Modern Masters exhibit at the DAM. How can I not be inspired surrounded by such talent? So instead of riding the so called soap box, I'm off to the easel to pick up my brush and paint. If it is another month before you hear from me:

 I promise it's because I'm busy painting, sculpting, and glazing pots. ~ samos

waiting for color

in the studio

my somewhat clean wheel

I went to bed last night anxious to get some work done in the pottery studio. So first thing this morning, I cranked up the heat, put my apron on and started throwing.

drying

and this is what needs glazed this afternoon...

bisque ware

Artists are ALWAYS Learning Something New

morning notes 

Today I was introduced to a free video series that was promoted by Handmadeology. They were given by Sara Shaw of Entreprenette. I was a week late in catching the videos, but lucky for me, our technology allows me to view them anytime and there's still one more video to watch next week! As I was watching them and taking notes, I was thinking of how fun it is to learn something new that I had never even thought of to advance my art career. I'm always looking for new ways to better organize my time since I am the sole proprietor of KoiStudios and MuddyPotts. And even though researching, blogging, and writing up listings has to be done and is time consuming, it is important to find the time to educate yourself whenever possible. Even if it means you may be working into the wee hours of the night in the studio since you spent 3 hours on your computer in the morning...

Now that I have done a little research and revamped the look of my blog, I suppose it's time to put on the apron and get my hands dirty!

By the way, what do you think of the new look on the blog? I'd love to hear what you have to say!

Have a wonderful day!

fresh out of the kiln

© samos 2014

© samos 2014

© samos 2014

© samos 2014

© samos 2014

Social Networking: Does it Pay?

I've been selling my art online since 2005. I wasn't "connected" and yet was doing pretty well for myself. I had found a couple online galleries to sell through. Both took small commissions and it was a great way for me to start learning the ropes of selling online and all that goes with it, like shipping and commissions. Since then, I have revamped my website three times, those online galleries have disappeared and I jumped on the Etsy bandwagon. Last year was a good year for me and my pottery. But it has made me take a look at myself as an artist and what it is I really want to achieve.

I knew that when this new year started, I wanted to do a few things differently. I've been saying for years that I want to get back to sculpting and painting more. This would mean less time spent in the pottery studio. And I am preparing to make that jump. One of the ways I plan to do just that is to limit my time spent on social media. I know what works for me and what doesn't. So if you're "connected" socially on the world wide web and notice that I haven't been around much, you can probably assume that I'm busy working in my studio on a new sculpture or large painting with little time to waste. 

I will continue to write blog posts, so if you care to see what I'm working on, please continue to check in every now and then! 

Thank you for your love and continued support!

~ Stephanie