My FIRST exhibition!

My goal in 2025 was to have an exhibition of my work. Nothing fancy, just in my house. It was a way for me to “check” if what I was making was good enough. In my mind, if friends and family were not willing to part with money to buy my art, I had no hope of convincing strangers.

With this in mind, I gathered all the pots, jugs and cups I had made over the last 2 years as I was learning the craft of pottery, and set about organising my exhibition.

Things I hadnd’t considered before suddenly became important. I had to work out packaging, how to display and price (holy crap, why is it so hard to price things?).

It was also an opportunity to showcase some of my paintings and photos and trial some greeting cards to see if they would sell.

I also bribed family and friends by offering homemade shortbread (my mum’s secret recipe) and scones. There was also a live demonstration where I made a small bowl on the wheel, and kids were able to make a pinch pot.

The day was an enormous success and has given me the courage to take the next step and buy a kiln.

My pots sold out (all but a handful), and many of my photos were also purchased. The greeting cards were also a surprise hit.

It was great to “test” what pots sold, what colours worked and price barriers. The experience has also cemented my approach, i.e. what I love is making one-of-a-kind pieces.. a piece that is exciting to make and teaches me something new. It’s not only because there is no way I could make 100 pieces exactly the same (although that is true!), but that I am really pursuing this as an art form.. not as a production house.

I might get there in future, but for the moment, I don’t think I would have the stamina or desire to make hundreds of the same pieces repetitively, even if they were best sellers.