#339 Wood-Fired Pottery and Finding Inspiration with Shikha Joshi

The show takes an in-depth look at the philosophy, influences, and journey of Potter, Shikha Joshi. Shikha discusses her fascination with wood-fired pottery, her love for pottery derived from nature, and how she moved from being a hobbyist to running a pottery business. She shares her journey experimenting trying to recreate the wood fired look in an electric kiln and emphasizes the need to constantly experiment and love the process of pottery. The conversation explores the concept of Japanese aesthetic wabi-sabi, the idea of finding beauty in imperfection, which guides Shikha's pottery practice. Finally, we learn about the business side of pottery including selling work, understanding the market, and facing financial realities as a full-time pottery producer. You can learn more about Shikha by checking out her instagram @potterybyshikha

Top 3 Value Bombs:

1. Shikha's journey from struggling to finding her voice: The episode highlights Shikha's decade-long struggle in the pottery industry and her determination to create pieces that resonated with her. This story emphasizes the importance of perseverance and pushing boundaries to discover one's unique voice.

2. Transitioning from hobby to full-time business: Shikha shares her unexpected journey from pursuing pottery as a hobby to becoming a full-time potter. She explains how her passion for pottery and continuous dedication led her to transition into a successful career. This story can inspire aspiring potters to follow their passion and consider turning it into a sustainable business.

3. Embracing experimentation and isolation: Shikha attributes her growth as an artist to her isolated home studio and the freedom to experiment without external influence. This story highlights the value of artistic exploration and pushing boundaries without being limited by conventional techniques or norms.

Take this Free Quiz to see how close you are to finding your pottery voice click here to take the quiz shapingyourpottery.com/quiz

00:00 Introduction: The Journey of a Potter

00:57 Discovering the Love for Pottery

01:42 The Artistic Journey: From India to America

03:54 The Influence of Community and Mentors

05:24 Developing a Unique Pottery Style

08:43 The Transition to Wood-Fired Pottery

17:08 Turning Pottery into a Business

22:54 The Importance of Experimentation

26:24 Finding Your Unique Voice in Pottery

27:02 Conclusion: Keep Having Fun