Today we’d like to introduce you to Traci Walter.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I was a painter, starting in oils at the age of 5, before becoming a potter. Born in California, I moved often as a child and later as a military spouse across the country and to Japan, drawing and painting along the way. My passion for throwing clay was found in 2012 during my first pottery wheel class. I love taking a lump of clay, throwing it on the wheel and using my hands to create a functional piece of art! Today, I have come full circle with my art, combining drawing, carving, sculpting, and painting techniques I’ve learned throughout my lifetime on my pottery, designed as functional, food-safe, and for daily use. Clay has become my medium and my canvas!
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Clay, as a medium, presents itself as a challenge, one that I eagerly accept every day I work in my studio! Understanding that “clay has a mind of its own” and “clay has memory” are two truths known by potters. On a personal note, I have had to learn patience, accept each piece as an experiment, and let go of perfection and control. I may use the same amount of clay to throw the same piece, use the same glaze and firing schedule, but each piece will be unique, unknown until I lift the kiln lid after cooling. Other challenges faced are managing time (each piece may take 3-5 weeks to complete) and managing all areas of running my small business (my least favorite part). Along the way I have learned and continue to learn about all aspects of making, glazing, and firing my pottery in my kiln – and loving every minute!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. What can you tell our readers, who might need to be more familiar with your work?
My business, Jolly Pig Pottery, was established in 2014 when I began selling my work at juried art shows across the southeast. My pottery is made by my hands only: wheel-thrown or hand-built, hand-altered, hand-detailed, hand-glazed using food-safe, lead-free glazes. Completed works are food-safe, oven, dishwasher, microwave safe, and designed for daily use. Custom orders are considered, and commission work accepted. My pottery has been commissioned by The United States Coast Guard, The University of Georgia, nationally sanctioned BBQ competitions, and nonprofit organizations. Since moving to South Carolina in 2020, new inspiration surrounds me and influences my art as I work from my home studio on the salt marsh. My wheel-thrown, hand-carved and detailed Great Egret crocks were featured in Local Life Magazine’s Crafted in the Lowcountry Gift Guide (2021, 2022). I sell online through Facebook and Instagram (@JollyPigPottery), from my home, several local businesses, and as an exhibiting artist at Beaufort Art Association Gallery (Beaufort, SC), where I was recently named Featured Artist (May, June 2023).
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
During my early years of throwing, I relied heavily on the book, “Basic Pottery Making, All the Skills and Tools You Need To Get Started” by Mark Fitzgerald (Fitzgerald Pottery, Dillsburg, PA), who I consider as my mentor. Another book, also useful early in my career as I set up my home studio, “The Potter’s Complete Studio Handbook” by Kristen Muller & Jeff Zamek was gifted to me by my husband, my biggest supporter and heavy load carrier. Favorite apps that I often recommend may be found on Facebook: Clay Buddies, Amaco Cone 5-6 Glaze Forum, Coyote Glaze Information, and Mayco Mudroom Society pages. I am a visual, hands-on learner, and clay is a hands-on art. I highly recommend to anyone interested in learning more about pottery making – sign up for a class, attend workshops, visit galleries and museums to seek inspiration – and practice, practice, practice!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @JollyPigPottery
- Facebook: @JollyPigPottery
