Blue Hare Studios
What started as a university work placement turned into a really useful introduction to how a small pottery actually works at Blue Hare Studios
Expanding My Practice
Blue Hare Studios has given me the chance to experience a side of ceramics that I hadn’t worked with as much before, particularly hand-building. It was a good opportunity to step outside my usual throwing-focused practice and learn different ways of making and working in a studio.
Discovering Teaching
I’ve also had the chance to get involved with teaching, from helping people at the wheel to supporting classes in the studio. Teaching was something I hadn’t really considered before, but I’ve found that I genuinely enjoy it. Having to explain techniques and work through problems with other people has also made me think more carefully about my own practice.
The Reality of Running a Studio
Alongside the making and teaching, I’ve had plenty of experience with the less glamorous but equally important parts of running a pottery — preparing materials, mixing glazes, making test tiles, cleaning, reclaiming clay and generally keeping the studio moving. It’s been a useful look at the reality of working in a small ceramics business, and an experience that’s given me plenty to take forward into my own practice.