It has been an exciting couple of months for this potter! I've been awarded an Emerging Creator Fellowship Grant from the Arts & Science Council for Mecklenburg County. I've never applied for a grant before so there was a lot of intense preparing and learning and worrying for a few weeks. And then there was a waiting period to hear the status of my application. And then there was the announcement of my award. And then there was the realization that this, in fact, is a HUGE provision to make my pottery dreams come true!
Simply, I was awarded the time and money to be able to build a soda-fired kiln and to begin creating the type of pottery that I'm most drawn to as an artist. I've been dreaming of and preparing for this for years.
See this earlier post to explain a bit more.
My knowledge and experience with atmospheric firing seems budding at best, yet to really progress I need the means to start working and learning! This will now be my reality. I thought it would take me additional years in my career to be able to open this door, but thanks to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community and an organization (ASC) that believes in supporting the arts and helping people reach a sustainable vocation as artists, this door is wide open - and I'm running through it.
I'll definitely be sharing more of this journey as it unfolds. Consider subscribing to this newsletter to get updates emailed to you. My goal is to complete construction of the soda kiln by the end of this year (2023). For now, I'll be pinching myself and getting preparations underway.
For more information on the fellowship grant and other amazing recipients, read the announcement here: https://artsandscience.org/fifteen-emerging-and-mid-career-artists-receive-asc-fellowships/