Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sylvia Coppola. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sylvia, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Keeping your creativity alive is something all artists deal with at some time. As a potter since 1977, I’ve often had to work on my creativity. It usually just takes spending some time in nature which inspires me to create. Often on walks through the woods near my home, I see patterns, colors and sometimes forms which follow through in my work.
Another inspiration for me is looking at ancient pottery from around the world. I’m really drawn to Pre-Columbian Art, Asian, Egyptian and other African pottery. The influence of forms, textures and other decorative properties often show in my work.
Whenever I get stuck on making the same pots, I try to make the opposite of what I’ve been making. If the forms I’ve been working on have narrow bottoms, I do the opposite and make wide bottoms pots. If I’m tired of round pots, I can dart or paddle them to make different shapes and forms. Often, I will add handles and feet to pots to make them more appealing.
Most of my pottery is thrown on the wheel but I also make hand-built pottery. These pots differ greatly from my thrown work. It’s often very refreshing to move from the wheel to work on hand built work.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My first interest in clay began in pottery class at Western Carolina University in the mid 1970’s. I changed my major from science to art and received a BFA with concentrations in clay and metal jewelry in 1977. I was also a weaver and basket weaver. I took several classes from the local Cherokee basket makers. After several years of loving all of these different media, clay took over. Since 1977, I’ve been making pottery and became a full time potter in 1989 while also raising a family with my husband. Here at my studio, near Charlotte, NC, I have a gas kiln and several other kilns including a wood pit for firing pots. High fired, stoneware clay is what most of my pots are made of but I also love pit firing. Pit firing is a lot different from my functional ware and each piece is unique.
I wholesale my work to over 40 gift shops and galleries across the United States
Facebook and Instagram @duckcreekpottery
Website http://www.duckcreekpottery.com
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
An artist first has to make sure that their work is of good quality and they can achieve that goal by practicing, persistence and perseverance. When you have achieved making quality work, you have to be able to market your work. There are many social media avenues to sell your work but it is also important to meet customers in person by participating in exhibitions, arts and crafts shows.
Art guilds are wonderful to join to share ideas and meet fellow artists. You grow in your work and as an artist when you share and learn with other artists.
Never give up. If you love what you do, keep it close to your heart and create.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When you are feeling overwhelmed with your art, whether you are still learning or are an established artist, it is important to step back and take a little time for yourself. Often this seems impossible but it is very important. There have been several times in my career that I thought I could not continue, once was making the same pots that were selling like crazy but were driving me crazy making them. After my orders were finished, I had to take time to re-establish the pots I wanted to make. I changed all of my glazes and began making what I wanted. I did lose some of my regular customers who were determined I keep making the same pots for them. But- I gained many new customers who loved my new pieces. You have to do what is right for you the artist first and the rest will take care of itself. Recently, I found myself overwhelmed with orders and again knew I had to change something. I discontinued advertising with the art group I was with. I have slowed down now to a pace I can deal with and I still have plenty of customers to keep me busy but not overwhelmed.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.duckcreekpottery.com
- Instagram: @duckcreekpottery
- Facebook: @duckcreekpottery
- Linkedin: duckcreekpottery
- Youtube: Sylvia Coppola pottery
Image Credits
Photos by the artist, Sylvia Coppola
