What’s your business name and what do you do?
My business is Find&Seak Pottery and I am a potter who primarily focuses on functional pottery or pottery that you can utilize in your day-to-day life.
How did you learn your craft?
I first learned pottery back in high school where I began handbuilding. My art teacher would give me separate projects to do outside of class and egged me on to continue this art. At the time I didn’t take it too seriously and put my attention elsewhere. In college I minored in studio art with an emphasis in ceramics. This is where I first learned how to use the wheel and a gas kiln which changed the game for me. Working on the wheel was so challenging and yet so captivating. After college I lived in a small town in NH where I continued my practice more independently at a local studio. Once I moved to Portland, ME I immediately signed up for sessions at Portland Pottery Studio where I spent almost 5 years extending my lessons there. It wasn’t until this past year that I decided to embark on a more independent journey on finding my own pottery studio. I was led to the Dana Warp Mill Building by several different artists and their studios and I finally found “the one”. I’m currently located in the mill building and share a space with 3 other artists here.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
The fluidity within it all and the ability to express myself. Art is such a dance. It’s a form of self-expression, freedom, and creativity. There is no right or wrong way to make art, only your way. Working on the wheel with clay to me has become more of a meditation. It’s taught me patience and perseverance. It’s also taught me how beautiful imperfection can be and the beauty that can come out of imperfection.
What do you enjoy least?
Hmm, I’d say learning the science and math behind it all. I’m no scientist and have very little interest in learning the science behind the glazes, clay, or the firings. Instead, I just want to create. I’d say I’m impatient because I just want to get my hands dirty!
What’s one thing you wish people knew about your work?
The love and care that goes into each piece but I trust that this can be felt within each body of work. I also wish people knew how much work it all takes! Pottery is no easy task. There are many steps that go into making each piece from wedging, to throwing, to trimming, to bisquing, to glazing, to glaze firing, and then to sanding. That’s a whole lot and that’s also a whole lot of my time. I love what I do and I wouldn’t choose any other passion project but damn can it be time-consuming.
What’s one artist you look up to?
The first person that comes to mind for me is Willa Wirth Jewelry. Willa’s designs speak so much to me and make me feel beautiful and spiritually embraced. Her silver adornings allow my more feminine and spiritual side to come out and allow me to feel dressed up simply. Also, her connection to her buyers is expansive as she always presents herself authentically and enthusiastically mirroring her love for the work that she does. Lastly, her studio location is on Munjoy Hill, can you find a better location?!
What do you do when you’re not creating?
I manage and event coordinate at Root Wild Kombucha full-time. I love bringing people and communities together! This is something that also lights me up and I fully embrace having multiple facets of my life lighting me up. Outside of these things I love going on long walks and exploring new places outdoors with my dog Pai as well as finding some of the best spots in town to eat and drink :)
Night owl or early bird?
Definitely an early bird. Don’t get me wrong I love to dance and have nights out with my friends but I prefer to be in bed before midnight please & thank you.
What's your favorite place in Maine?
Wow, there’s so many! Honestly, the Eastern Promenade probably takes the cake. I live on the East End and I work on the East End, this is my community hub! I love being able to walk to work and run into people I know and being able to have one of the best scenic views in Portland less than 5 minutes from my doorstep. Having so much natural beauty and community so close to home brings me so much joy.