Skipping The Bisque Fire with Jessie Shaw

In this podcast episode, we delve into Jessie Shaw's remarkable transition from an accountant to a pottery virtuoso. Jessie discusses her initial discovery of pottery's therapeutic benefits during her battle with mental health issues and her subsequent experience as a high school ceramics teacher's assistant. The catalyst for her career change was a combination of overwhelming stress from her accounting job and health problems, leading her to embrace her passion for pottery, supported by her husband.

Jessie's exploration into pottery goes beyond conventional mugs to unique items like olive oil bottles and yarn bowls, employing a distinctive single-firing technique that sets her apart. She shares the challenges and joys of experimenting with clay and glaze combinations, highlighting the importance of taking breaks to rejuvenate creativity and refine one's artistic voice.

Listeners interested in her work can find @modernfirepottery on Instagram.

Top 3 Value Bombs:

1. **Embrace Change and Pursue Passion**: One of the key takeaways from Jesse Shaw's journey is the importance of following one's passion, even when it means making a significant career change. Jesse's story illustrates the value of listening to one's inner voice and taking the leap from a stable, but unfulfilling career in accounting, to a life dedicated to the art of pottery. This transition was not only crucial for her personal fulfillment but also for her mental health, as pottery provided a therapeutic outlet for her.

2. **Support Networks are Crucial**: Jesse's experience underscores the importance of having a supportive network when making life-altering decisions. Her husband played an instrumental role in her transition to pottery, providing not just moral support but also practical help, such as investing in equipment and assisting with her creative process. This reinforces the idea that having people who believe in you and your passion can be a tremendous asset when navigating through changes and pursuing a creative career.

3. **Innovation and Experimentation Lead to Growth**: Jesse Shaw's adoption of a single-firing technique, as opposed to the traditional bisque firing, highlights the importance of innovation in one's craft. By experimenting with new methods and forms, such as olive oil bottles and yarn bowls instead of the ubiquitous mugs, Jesse found her unique artistic voice. Her willingness to try new things and push the boundaries of her medium serves as an inspiration to other artists to explore and experiment within their own fields, emphasizing that personal growth often lies in stepping out of one's comfort zone.

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