Mini Market Day
Two collections from the Mini Market sale: mini planters with real plants and the Eric vases…my homage to Mini Studio. Most asked question of the day… are those plants real. Yes, they are!
There’s a first time for everything. That’s what I tell myself whenever something unfathomable comes up. A few months ago, I signed up for the Mini Pottery Studio first ever studio sale. At the time, it seemed like a good idea. I started pottery to find “my people” and join new communities. Also, being part of the first members of the studio, I really wanted to support them and see them thrive. (Those that are familiar with this blog, knows my deep thoughts on minis!) On that positive note, I invited my buddy, Helena, who is also a member, to join in on the fun. We both thought having a deadline would light a fire under our butts and motivate us to push our creativity and skills.
My biggest concern was that my work might not be technically sound. I’ve been struggling to get better at throwing, but progress has been slow. One can only wabi-sabi for so long. Also, my decades of graphic design and marketing training veers me to focus on what the target audience wants. This kind of starts to suck the joy out of the process. Then my dear friend and table-mate says she’s only making things she likes. Great advice to help me recentre and stay to true to why we are doing this in the first place!
Once centered (ha ha pottery joke), I got to work. One theme I wanted to explore is the homage to minis. So that’s in the mix. I also have my on-going experimentation with Black Walnut, so that’s a second group. For the show, I also added another series of candle holders that I’ve been working on. It’s another concept exploration that I’ll share with you another time. Otherwise, this post will be waaaaay too long.
Here are some “making of” photos… cue 80s music montage.
Highlights and Nerdy Fun Facts
ERIC VASES
The original mini head vase were one of the more memorable pieces I made when first starting out. One of the challenges I gave myself at the time was to create something that’s personal and joyful for me. So for the show, I thought these pots are perfect for homage to minis. Of course, there were some additional technical challenges I gave myself, because, you know, I’m a bona-fide Hermione. Speaking of which, I had to make a regular sized one just because I can. I felt my throwing skills improving with each and every vase.
Fun fact: These vases are called Eric. My husband asked me who that was when I brought home the very first one. At the time, I just blurted out, “you.” Hence, they’re now Eric Vases. Wonder if that’s how Ikea does it?
MINI GASHAPON WAS A BIG HIT!
All makers donated pieces for the Gashapon that Cielo brought. A happy participant won an Eric vase!
FIRST SALE OF THE DAY
These two candle holders were the first items sold. A lovely woman dropped by shortly after we opened. She saw the sidewalk chalk paintings and decided to come check us out. To both of our surprises, these candle holders were exactly what she didn’t know she needed. Turns out, baby’s 100 hundred day celebration was that night and as part of the Korean customs, candles will be lit. They had candle holders prepared already but she thought these ones will add a nicer touch. I was touched that these pieces will go to help celebrate her little one’s milestone. Wish them well. The rest of the day, we got to meet many more folks that truly enjoyed our work. It was a such a nice feeling.
And there’s more…
At the end of the day, some of the makers traded our unsold pieces. I got some amazing ones! This might be my favourite part.
