Today we’d like to introduce you to Corin Deinhart
Hi Corin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m Corin—a ceramic artist, public historian, writer, and educator originally from Guam. I was first introduced to ceramics when I was ten years old and have been practicing the art form on and off for more than twenty years. I received formal training in ceramics at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, where I learned that the ceramic arts are most rewarding when rooted in accessibility, serving communities, and sharing knowledge. This philosophy has proved to be an anchor throughout the evolution of my career.
After an almost ten-year hiatus— during which I lived in Europe, earning a master’s and then Ph.D. in Public History—I moved to Cleveland and started Pottery by Corin Sweeny Deinhart in 2023. Initially, I started the business to supplement my income as an adjunct professor while I continued to search for a permanent, full-time position as a public historian. In the first year of starting my business, I found that the opportunities available to me as a ceramic artist far exceeded those in academia, which is mired in politics and exclusivity. Seizing the opportunities that came my way as a ceramic artist and educator quickly transformed my side hustle into a full-time business.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to getting my business where it is today has definitely been bumpy and anything but linear! While I absolutely love being a ceramic artist and small creative business owner, it was not part of my career plan. In my first year of business, I was establishing points of reference, and trying to get the business off the ground without going into debt. I was able to accomplish my goal of not going into debt, but not without a lot of sacrifice. Most of my earnings went back into the business, which meant I wasn’t able to pay myself a living wage. Going into year two, I’m facing the greatest struggle (so far), which is strategizing how I’m going to make a living wage while still not going into debt.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
There are three parts to my business: my individual art practice, ceramics teaching, and historical consulting.
As a one-woman operation, my art production is small and intentional. Each piece of pottery is crafted to be as unique as the person who chooses it and with the intention of being a work of functional fine art to be enjoyed in everyday life. I’m known for working exclusively with porcelain and using glaze combinations that create a calm and ethereal aesthetic.
In my teaching, my goal is to serve the community by making learning the ceramic arts accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. I teach pottery at two wonderful community studios: Quill Pottery Studio in Westlake, and Jack-Pot Pottery and Ceramics Supplies in Medina. Head over to their websites to register for a class with me!
Most recently, I have expanded my business and entrepreneurial endeavors to draw upon my international academic background and expertise in public history. In addition to making and teaching pottery, I now offer a range of freelance services, including historical and public historical consulting, research, and writing.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favourite childhood memory involving clay is the first time I got to try the potter’s wheel. I was ten years old when my mom signed me up for my first ceramics class through the City of Tempe, in Arizona. Before I was allowed to try the wheel, I had to learn hand building, which, if I’m being honest, didn’t spark much excitement within me. The moment I sat down at the wheel however, I became hooked on clay. I loved the feel of the clay moving through my hands as the wheel spun, the challenge of centering, and watching the ball of clay morph and transform into a work of art through my touch. The potter’s wheel still brings me joy, and while I’ve mastered the task of centering long ago, I’m constantly seeking out new ways to challenge myself. What keeps me coming back to the wheel is the peace and deep focus it offers me, which I can’t find anywhere else.
I owe so much to my mom, the City of Tempe, and the wonderful ceramics instructors, whose full names I wish I could remember so that I could look them up; I’d love to see how their careers evolved, thank them for teaching me what they knew, and show them how their mentorship and influence so early on in my life helped me be able to live out my passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://corinsweenydeinhart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csdhart_ceramics/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/csdhart
