Check Out Marcie James’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcie James

Hi Marcie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always been creative. Glitter, beads, scrapbook paper and a hot glue gun is where I started as a kid. My crafts slowly evolved to include quilting and purse making, macrame, gardening, the list goes on. While I was always drawn to clay, I never had the opportunity to fit a ceramics class into my high school or college schedule. It wasn’t until the covid years that I found ceramics. What began as an attempt to use art therapy to heal my pandemic induced mental health crisis evolved into an obsessive passion to learn and explore the study of ceramics. It was love at first touch, and I instantly knew I needed to learn everything I could about the art form. While raising 2 school aged children, working a full-time job, and running a small side business with my husband, going back to school for a second degree in Ceramics didn’t feel realistic. I attended a beginner’s class at a community studio, borrowed every book I could find from our local library, and took to the internet in search of workshops and training opportunities that fit into my hectic schedule. I am continually learning and practicing this incredible art form every free moment I have, while also selling my work at local art festivals on the weekends.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Due to an old wrist injury, I am unable to comfortably throw clay on a wheel. Most potters use this method, and college programs focus largely on this technique. I knew my learning process had to be designed around my physical limitation. This wasn’t necessarily a setback; it was more of a yield sign that directed me down a personally designed path of learning. I was able to research and seek out instructors and learning material that are specific to my production techniques. Instead of spinning clay on a wheel to create cylindrical forms, I roll the clay out like pie crust and form it into shapes using my hands. This technique is like sewing with the use of patterns, yet the clay is more manipulative than fabric. Instead of stitching with a needle and thread, I use wet clay and my fingers to attach pieces together. Fortunately, one of the good things that came from the covid learning year is that many instructors and artists are using online learning platforms to reach their students. I have also traveled to different states to attend weekend and weeklong workshops and conferences. My greatest takeaway is that I learned to customize my learning experience in a way that a formal education could never do.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science Education (formerly Home Economics), so it was only natural for me to be drawn to functional forms that have purpose and daily use in the home. My practice so far has encompassed objects that we use in the kitchen: primarily platters, muffin pans, dishes, mugs and containers. I have a penchant for containers. I love the treasure chest experience of lifting the lid to discover what is inside. When I used to sew, I loved to make tote bags and purses, I suppose that my lidded containers are the ceramics version of a purse. My favorite set so far is the Essential Oil Diffuser set. I love the aromas of essential oils, and the diffuser set that I sell allows the user to ritualize the process of diffusing oils into the air. The trays are designed to hold the oils, candles and matches, and the diffuser is nestled between them on a beautiful oval tray.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Time management. Clay dries SLOW, and as a hand builder there is a very small window of time to apply certain techniques to the clay. Before I started working with clay, I would have considered myself mildly impulsive and a little bit impatient. I was not a fan of idle time. This medium has shown me how to be patient and calculate the idle time, allowing me to manage multiple projects at once. Working with clay has also taught me time management in my personal life. It is so difficult to fit everything into one day, or even one week. I am learning to set long term goals and not put too much daily pressure on myself. I find ways to spin all the metaphorical plates at once and set long term attainable goals that I can work towards for weeks and months.

Pricing:

• Diffuser Set $125
• Butter Dish $65
• Muffin Pan $65

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @marciejames_pottery