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Dec. 2, 2023

Unleashing Your Unique Voice in Pottery: Drawing Inspiration Beyond the Clay

Hey, Shaping Nation

Have you ever found yourself trying to replicate the works of your favorite potters, and then wonder why your pieces just aren't reflecting your own unique style? If you've been there, trust me, you're not alone. I've been down that road too, but I've managed to crack the code on how to create pottery that truly resonates with my individuality. 

In today's blog post, I'm sharing my personal journey - how I evolved from being a mere imitator to discovering my unique pottery voice. And you'd be surprised to know that the secret lay in looking beyond the pottery world for inspiration. 

Yes, you heard it right! 

You see, when I first started making pottery, my sole source of inspiration were the works of other potters I admired. But in my pursuit to emulate their success, I was unintentionally limiting my creative expression. The truth dawned on me when I realized that to truly find my unique voice, I had to dig deeper and look outside of pottery. 

So, I turned towards my personal interests for inspiration. I'm a self-proclaimed nerd who loves Star Wars, Marvel, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and even Dungeons and Dragons. As I began incorporating elements from these interests into my pottery, my unique voice started to shine through my work.

Now, I encourage you to do the same. You don't have to be a nerd or share my interests to do this. Whether you're into drawing, cycling, classic cars, or anything else that piques your interest, you can incorporate these into your pottery. By stepping outside of the pottery box and embracing your individual interests, you will uncover your own unique artistic voice. 

Don't limit your inspiration to just pottery or other potters' works. If you do, your pottery may end up looking exactly like everyone else's. The goal here is to create something truly unique that reflects your personality and interests. 

Let's say you're a classic car enthusiast. How about sculpting or drawing those classic cars onto your pottery? Or perhaps you can add slip that resembles the sleek shine of a classic car? Your inspirations can be as unique as you are!

And if you think you don't have any inspiration outside of pottery, think again. Take a look around your house, your wardrobe, or even your desk setup. The colors, patterns, and designs you gravitate towards can provide ample inspiration for your pottery. 

So, the next time you're sitting at your wheel, remember to let your unique voice shine through your work. Challenge yourself to look beyond pottery for inspiration. After all, your unique voice is waiting to be unveiled.

Stay tuned for more insights and tips on pottery. Happy shaping!

Don't forget to send in your questions or topics you'd like me to cover. You can reach out to us on Instagram @nictorres_pottery Until next time, keep shaping and creating!