We recently connected with Chrys Bonnay-Lewis and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chrys, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I find that self-motivation comes naturally when I’m doing what I love. Most days, I’m excited to be in the studio creating, rather than dealing with paperwork and promotions. However, like everyone else, I have days when I struggle with my creative process and feel like I’m not making progress. When this happens, I like to take a break and tidy up my workspace, reorganizing my tools and materials. This helps me to shift my mindset and overcome any obstacles that are holding me back. It may take a few hours or even a day, but cleaning my studio has a powerful impact on my brain, clearing away mental cobwebs and giving me a fresh perspective. As I declutter and rearrange my space, I often discover new ideas or see my work from a different angle, which inspires me to keep moving forward.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Art has always been my passion, but I had to work as an Engineer and Metallurgist before I could make it my career. As a single mother, I had to support my family, so I worked in the automotive industry during the day and attended art classes in the evenings. It wasn’t until several years later that I discovered porcelain and knew it was my medium. I was drawn to its purity and decided to exclusively work with it, using my metallurgy skills to create unique ceramic colors and surfaces. However, working with porcelain was a challenge, as it required a lot of practice and muscle memory to throw it thinly and evenly. Despite the difficulties, I persevered and can now proudly say that I am an expert porcelain potter. The unique pastel surfaces of my products are known to intrigue and delight customers. In fact, I have been commissioned by several museums to design both translucent and practical works of art that others cannot replicate.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Throughout life, there are opportunities to learn valuable lessons if we remain attentive. Even when we experience what might be perceived as failures, we can use them as a chance to enhance our knowledge, skills, and overall growth. As someone who is both creative and curious, I have found success in my journey to become an artist, potter, teacher, and designer. My ability to overcome obstacles and find solutions has been crucial in my roles as a business owner, teacher, and artist. The combination of my analytical and creative thinking has set me apart from others, allowing me to thrive in all aspects of my career. My previous career and training have taught me that problem-solving skills are essential in any field. As an artist, I approach my creative process with an engineering mindset, using my skills to find innovative solutions. I have found that using both sides of my brain has been fundamental in overcoming challenges.
Teaching has also taught me that everyone learns differently, and adjusting my teaching style to fit an individual’s needs has made me an effective educator. By varying my explanations and approaches, I can accommodate my students’ learning styles.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I enjoy working with fellow creatives and am currently undergoing a re-branding process. Social media is crucial for promoting my lessons, *Pot Parties, products, and services; however, I am finding it challenging to stand out among the sea of potters showcasing their processes and products. To differentiate myself, I need to enhance my skills, which I’m currently lacking. I have several ideas to achieve my vision, but I need to partner with makeup artists, hair designers, and production experts.
A marketing professional advised me to appear frequently on camera and share my witty sense of humor to define Chrys’ Porcelain with my unique personality. I am seeking a collaborator to help me accomplish this goal and re-brand Chrys’ Porcelain as a distinctive brand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chrysbonnaylewis.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrysporcelain/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/functionalclay/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrys-lewis-48753221/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNNEKDVjvZUyjQA3aWSdEKQ
- Other: https://www.faire.com/brand/b_9er39vczfd (Wholesale) https://goimagine.com/chrysporcelain/ https://linktr.ee/Chrysporcelain
Image Credits
N/A – I took the photo
