Pottery, People, and Pure Joy

A Lifelong Love for Art

I’ve always been a crafter and a painter at heart. I took art all four years of high school, majored in graphic design, and pretty much lived in the art room any chance I got. One year, I even took a pottery class where we sculpted our own pieces, painted them, and fired them in the kiln. My first attempt turned out pretty good for my first time but it turns out making the pottery is way harder than just painting it.

(Piece I painted in college)

Pottery Became a Rare Treat

After high school, I only got to paint pottery one other time in college because I never lived close to a studio. So it basically became a “once every few years” treat which was a bummer, because I loved it. I’d still paint canvas at home, but there’s just something different about painting a piece of ceramic and then holding it in your hands once it’s all shiny and finished. It's especially cool when you get to use it for your morning beverage or lay a cheese platter on it.

Discovering Evansville’s Hidden Gems

But then I moved to Evansville and realized… oh my gosh… there are SO many fun places right at my fingertips. Parks, restaurants, cozy hangouts — and yes, pottery studios like Fired Up Joes Shmoes. I live only ten minutes away from it, which means temptation is high and self-control is low.

Finding My New Creative Home

The first time I walked in, they were playing my kind of music, and the whole vibe was instantly relaxing. Since then, I’ve gone three times. I’ve painted a few pieces, made some new friends, and honestly I could stop by daily just to paint or say hi.

Meeting Janet, the Pottery Pro

Yesterday, after getting my new Indiana license (WOO! Officially a resident), I stopped in to paint a Christmas gift for my mom. While I was there, I met Janet — a regular who comes in all the time. She gave me tips and tricks I had no idea about and even showed me some of the pieces she’s painted for her kids and grandkids. And let me tell you… Janet is GOOD.

A Little Artist Spotlight Moment

And the icing on the cake? The Fired Up Joe’s crew thought I did such a good job on my plate that they took my picture and gave a shoutout to me and The MY Morning Show on their social media. How cool is that?

(Smiley face inserted to cover up the Christmas present.. sorry mom!)

A New Creative Routine I Can’t Wait to Continue

People like Sarah and Janet and places like Fired Up Joes make me feel right at home. I love that I’ve found a new little niche, just minutes away, where I can relax, be creative, and make gifts for the people I love.
There are more pottery adventures ahead. I’ll definitely be back… probably this weekend when I bring my mom with me. And definitely many, many times after that.

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