Abalone Shell bowl with barnacle glaze exterior by Lois Sharpe.

Blame it on politics – Instead of doing things like blogging and cleaning my studio (which oh so needs to be cleaned) I have been glued to the tv and, sigh, it’s still not over.  I am a political junkie – something that doesn’t usually come through on this blog unless I’m on a rant, which I try to keep to a minimum.  But let’s just say that these days I am distracted by all the goings on.

And I have been making necklaces and earrings almost nonstop.  I think this is productive procrastination on my part.  I got w shipments out Monday, have made the mermaid for the shipment that will go out the end of this month, and then I only have one more shipment, end of April, to finish up my orders.

Serendipity for the shipment to Atlantic Artisans.  Owner Nance Ciasca received her shipment while a local news reporter was in the shop, so they took pictures of her excited opening of the boxes and my work will be in the article.  Nice!

Here’s another nice.  Below is my interview with clay artist Lois Sharpe of Sharpe Pots, and shortly we will also have an interview with her partner Vicki Sutton.  They were my favorite playmates at the Philadelphia Buyers Market, on the corner across from me.  So without further ado, here’s Lois.

Lois, where do you get your inspiration for your pottery?

The happiest time for me was when my children were small and we spent weeks on the beach each summer.  I took those memories and developed a style of pottery to match.  My work is total imagination; the more I make, the more I "see" and want to make.

How long have you been doing pottery?

30 years, 11 years full time.

Where can folks see your work in person?

I have about 80 galleries, all near the coast, east and west and gulf! [editor’s note:  wow!  this is impressive!  *80* galleries!!!!]

Has your art changed over the years?

It changes all the time – last year’s work is different from this year’s.  Things always evolve, and I hope always get better!

Can you talk a bit about your process?
Porcelain and stoneware, wheel thrown, altered, lots of hand building, fired to 2340F in a gas kiln.  All my glazes are unique to me.  My barnacle glaze is a chemical process that took me 2 years of testing to get right!  It looks and feels like something from the ocean.  I love it. [editor’s note:  Her glazes are amazing.  As someone who never does test tiles, just puts the glaze on a piece and prays to the kiln imps, I can say now I know why Lois has 80 shops.  Anyone who can spend 2 years developing a glaze has persistance, persistence, persistence – and a great attitude to boot!]

What is your favorite way to sell your art?

Wholesale lets me stay home and make more!  I love putting my pots in a box then getting money in the mail!

Do you have any suggestions about how to keep motivated and optimistic as s elf-supporting artist?

The more I work the more I want to work.  It fills my soul.  It makes me happy.  If you are happy in what you make, then all else falls into place.  Staying motivated and optimistic are integrated with being happy.  If you don’t like what you are doing, then it will not "work." 

I always told me kids, "find what you love to do and learn to make a living at it."

What are your top 3 suggestions for new artists starting out?

Find your style:  choose one direction and stay in it long enough to develop a style.

Try everything marketing wise.  Something will work for you – wholesale, retail, shows – something will work.

Get out and meet people.  It is amazing what it does for your business (and life!)

Do you have any new ideas in the works that you’d like to share?

My gas kiln is getting old, so instead of rebuilding it, I am starting to test some electric glazes and hope to get the barnacles to work at a lower temperature.  This may take another 2 years to get it right! {editor’s note:  you just have to love people with this kind of enthusiasm!]

How do you handle the business side of art?

I admit, poorly!  This is the one thing I need to work on most.  I detest keeping track of everything.  Just let me make more pots!

What is your happiest moment as an artist?

Every time I open the kiln and it is good!  Christmas, birthday etc. all rolled into one!  [editor’s note:  I think only clay people can appreciate this…and it is *so* true!]

Thank’s Lois!  Everyone run right on over to Lois’s website and have a look at all her lovelies!

thought for the day:  You become most powerful in whatever you do if the action is performed for its own sake rather than as a means to protect, enhance, or conform to your role identity…Give up defining yourself – to yourself or to others.  You won’t die.  You will come to life.   Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth:  Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose  {anyone doing the Oprah thing with Tolle and this book?)