Q&A:

1. Please introduce yourself! 

Hello! I’m Marsha. Born and raised in Los Angeles, specifically South Pasadena. I am a retired occupational therapist….and in my retirement, I started off riding my Peloton bike, then pickleballing, and finally ended up doing pottery! I’ve been potting for a little over 2 years now. Most days I’m at the studio, or hanging out with my 3 cats on the couch.

2. Your clay story: when and how did you first get into pottery? Can you remember your first pottery experience? Do you have any first memories that stick out?

I went on a girl’s trip to Ojai for my 50th bday and we took a 2 hour pottery class. I loved it! I remember asking for a bigger chunk of clay cuz I wanted to make a big bowl…it just turned out to be a really small and heavy sauce dipping bowl. My first memories were wondering why the heck centering was so difficult!

3. What forms do you make most, and what’s your style or go-to techniques/materials?

I am inspired by my youngest cat, Gilly, who is ultra cute…so I like to make anything that is cute…and hopefully functional. Bowls, cups, mugs, and jars are my main pieces of work…all on the wheel. I’ve just started playing with some handbuilding. 

4. What appeals to you about clay and what lessons has it taught you?

I am inspired to create as my Creator has created me and making pottery has taught me gratitude. Imagination and the ability to create are such gifts and I am so grateful to be able to create little pieces of art. I feel that this is part of my purpose for this season of my life.

5. How did you find Not Another Pottery Studio? Do you have any special moments, or favorite memories with other members / students?

I was taking classes at another studio in Pasadena, and word gets around about other studios, especially cuz some people from there started working at NAPS. I feel that the people at NAPS are so supportive. I remember when I was making my chess set that so many people were giving suggestions and helping me and encouraging me to keep going!

6. What advice would you give to someone starting out in pottery?

Try to be as consistent in practicing as you can!

7. If we want to see more of you, your work (ceramic or other), where would we go? (If people can buy your work or you take commissions, let us know!)

I have a simple instagram account…I’m not the best at creating such great posts…but please feel free to follow @gillypots_ceramics! (And totally available for doing commissioned work!)