Let's Get This Party Started

                                         Early photo of my first years of ikebana containers

Let's start from the beginning.  Well, not that far back but back enough to start my journey to pursue a "career" in pottery.  I left my full time management job at a crafts gallery in Washington D.C. and took a part time job closer to home to pursue this dream.  Soon after my husband and I had our first daughter in 2004 and moved down to the Charleston area of S.C.  Big change!  Things got rolling, built a studio by our garage stayed at home and slowly built my clay career up!  So new home, clay, one baby girl and in 2006 there was another one.  My life was full. 

So what about my work?  What did I make?  Stoneware. Functional. Wheel thrown.  That is how I rolled.  Started off with one or two local shows, then more each year.   I picked up a couple of stores and two wholesale accounts at local Plantation gift shops.  Yes, Plantations.  Middleton Gardens and Magnolia Plantation and if you are a transplant from the north, they are the real deal.  This area has been very beneficial selling your work as there is a big influx of tourists in the area. 

2013.  This year has had it's ups and downs.  Over the new year I was ready to approach new galleries a little outside the area and hopefully pick up another wholesale account.  I couldn't do it.  Just the thought of making 20 more mugs, 20 more dip servers or honey pots for an account felt like work!  Let's face it I made a little money but I was maxed out with my time and energy.  The "Make To sell" process for me had run it's course.  I was making to fill tables at shows and not inspired by my pieces anymore.  I still loved clay and making but not the process of only making items to sell.  

This is my reason to start my blog.  Many things are changing in my little Terra Locale biz and I am bringing whoever wants to come along on my journey!