All of my online orders are packed and out the door and it feels so so good. In addition to my overrun brain, my tired hands and injured elbow are in need of a break. I’ve worked hard to get everything out in time and the relief is like sunshine after a storm. These past three months have been all about making things to sell and it has slowly been defeating. Of course, everything I make is to sell, I run a business and offer functional objects. But, this time of year always has a different edge to it. I’ve had to make things that I know will sell as opposed to creating work I want to make.
Before I take a weeklong staycation between xmas and new year, I’ll be playing in the studio and making things that are just for me. It’s the kind of creative downtime I need to feed my maker’s heart. I often leave this refresh for January but I can’t wait. Time for exploration hasn’t happened in way too long and I’m devoting the next two days to playing with clay. I have no idea what I will make. I’ll probably just stand there for a bit, but I’m really looking forward to the blank slate. I hosted a big holiday ceramics sale last weekend at my home studio, so the workspace is clean and the bare shelves are invigorating!
When I look back at this year, what made me the happiest and fullest as an artist were the playful prototypes I made for my Cup Club subscription. Creating special, limited-edition work that rethinks what a drinking vessel can be was truly one of the highlights of my year. It’s a dream to have folks trust that my work will be inspiring and I’m thrilled to offer Cup Club again for 2024!
I’ve also created an art subscription called Collector’s Club because I, not only want to make more sculptures, but I want to sell more sculptures! This is not meant to be an ad but more of a statement to hold myself accountable. Making art kinda got away from me and I really want to create more 3D pieces next year, so in order to do that I need to make the time for it and I need to show and talk about it. My art informs my functional wares and vice versa.
My goal for the rest of December is to channel dormant trees. After months of hard work, it can be difficult for me to relax and enjoy the upcoming slow days even if I know that’s what I need and want. Being consumed with work, breeds more work and unwinding can feel impossible when the high from holiday sales becomes the norm. Like, how do I relax again? It might sound silly but I made a list of things I can do on my days off for reference in case I get stuck, so I can avoid thinking about work or binge watching on Netflix. Here’s what I wrote down:
1) pull weeds
2) organize my desk
3) bake cookies
4) go to the cinema
5) take a nap
6) make a collage
7) paint new year cards
8) go on a neighborhood walk
9) listen to an album
10) go ice skating
I truly have no idea what 2024 will bring, but for now I’m focusing on the present moment without looking ahead too much. Allowing time for ease and decompression before I move forward with new plans. Cheers to a healthy end of year and a warm, cozy solstice!
See ya on the flip side!
I’ve successfully written a years worth of monthly posts here on Clayfulness and I look forward to diving deeper and sharing more! See the archive if you’re new here. This is a free offering but I've allowed myself to receive payment for this if you can support it or if you've gotten value from my work over the years. It's not necessary to pay to read, but very much appreciated. "Selling" does not come naturally to me, but I think about this newsletter as a personal contribution I've put out in the world. I invite you to become a paid subscriber or to become a founding member at whatever price you like. I’m grateful for your presence here and for your interest in transparency. There are endless streams of newsletters out there, so I approach your inbox wisely and appreciate your time and space.
A post many small-business makers can relate to!