We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jamie DeMilt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jamie, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
This is probably the area I struggle with the most, which also makes it the area I am working on the hardest. It think for most people, it is hard to recognize and acknowledge your achievements. Sometimes we get so busy just pumping out orders that we don’t take the time to reflect on the accomplishments that come with being busy and the effort that went into that.
I think being part of a supportive community is an incredibly important part of this process as well. Being engaged with fellow ceramic artists, either online or in person, to share experiences, advice, and encouragement with has helped me grow in so many ways. Being part of a supportive community can help you feel more validated and less isolated in your struggles while also reminding yourself to be proud of how far you have come in your craft. Of course that means that you have to have a growth mindset which can sometimes be challenging.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Five years ago, I started my journey into the world of functional pottery. With a background as a public school teacher for 17 years, I found a new passion in crafting pieces that seamlessly fit into daily life.
From cozy mugs for morning coffee to dinner plates and vases, each piece I create is designed to be both practical and enjoyable. I believe in the beauty of simplicity and functionality, making pottery that effortlessly becomes a part of your everyday routines.
What makes my pottery special is the connection I feel with the community. I’ve always had a soft spot for teachers, understanding the hard work they put in. That’s why I’m committed to giving back, offering discounted pottery workshops for educators, collaborating with local schools, and supporting educational charities.
As I continue to shape clay into functional pieces, my journey is one of passion, purpose, and community. My studio is open to anyone who wants to add a touch of artistry to their everyday moments. Each piece I make is an invitation to experience the joy of handmade functional pottery—simple, practical, and a little something special for your daily life.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I think this goes back to my imposter syndrome answer of following these three rules: 1. Develop a growth mindset
2. Focus on the process, not just the outcome
3. Community! Community! Community! Build yourself a network of support that will help you grow and evolve as an artist.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
This is an area I am always excited about and keeping an open mind to! I love the idea of making a blank canvass for other artist to build off of. Whether it is a mug or a large vase, I would love to have other artists come and collaborate on the glazing and design before the last firing. While I am very skilled at making pottery, I am not particularly strong in terms of drawing/painting.
I also think collaborations with candle makers, macrame designers, or gardeners would be really fun! Honestly, I have a completely open mind to the possibility to collaboration.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jamieraepottery.com
- Instagram: jamierae_pottery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamieraepottery
