Taking the Long View

I always find it interesting to evaluate what’s happened in my ceramics world during the past year. It gives me valuable information that I can’t really understand when I’m in the middle of things. It’s taking the long view, standing back and comparing my plan for the previous year with the realities of what happened and forming my ideas for the future.
I’ve used the Annual Review Worksheet from Alyson Stanfield https://artbizsuccess.com/ecourse-annual-review/ for the past number of years and it’s always helpful because she asks questions that I might never ask by myself.

So, I’m reviewing and giving myself time to digest the information, and make a new plan for the upcoming year. I’ve discovered a few things already–I like selling my work in person, connecting with interested people and getting feedback. On-line selling doesn’t really work for me, but wholesale is going well and I want to pursue more of it.
Most of all, my students are fantastic! People have a tremendous desire to make things with their hands and my students keep coming back and developing new work and better skills! There’s a lot more to evaluate so I will keep looking deeply and trying to remain objective.

Meanwhile, I’ve spent some time playing during this end-of-the-year break and made these three big bowls. They range from about 15 inches across to 24 inches. I’m very excited to get them dried completely and in the kiln!

A new class session is starting very soon, sooner than I anticipated! If you’re interested, go to my classes and events page for all the info.