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Finding My Voice Through Clay: A Journey from Passion to Profession

Writer: Sydney KennedySydney Kennedy

Discovering the Courage to Create and Share My Story Through Handmade Ceramics


The Moment I Knew I Was an Artist

I still remember the exact moment when I first felt like an artist. It was my freshman year of high school, and I was sitting in art class, brush in hand, staring at a blank canvas.


Up until that point, nothing had quite made sense in my life. I felt out of place, unsure of who I was or where I was heading. But as I dipped my brush into the paint and began to create, it felt like the fog lifted.


There, amidst the colors and strokes, I found something that felt right. It was as if I had finally discovered my voice—a language that spoke to me in a way words never could. It was the first time I felt truly understood by something outside myself, and I knew from that moment on that art would be a part of my life forever.


 Close-up of Sydney's hands shaping clay on a pottery wheel, smoothing it with a sponge during the ceramic-making process.

Discovering My Medium: The Birth of My Daughter and the Courage to Create

Years later, I faced another pivotal moment that changed the course of my life and cemented my path as an artist.


The birth of my daughter was one of the most transformative experiences I've ever had.


Holding her tiny hand, I felt a surge of love and a deep realization that life is incredibly precious and fleeting. It struck me then that I needed to make a change. I didn't want to return to the routine of my old job, feeling unfulfilled and disconnected.


I wanted to create a life where my daughter could see her mother pursuing her passions and living boldly.


That realization gave me the courage to take a leap of faith and embrace ceramics full-time. I had always been drawn to the tactile nature of clay, the way it moves and molds under your fingers, responding to your every touch.


It’s raw and unrefined, just like life, and yet, with time and patience, it transforms into something beautiful and lasting. This was the medium through which I wanted to express myself and share my journey with the world.


The First Piece of Pride: A Flower in Watercolor

One of the first pieces of art that made me feel truly proud was a simple watercolor painting of a flower. I painted it during a quiet afternoon in high school, lost in the flow of creation. It wasn’t perfect by any means—its petals were a bit uneven, and the colors bled in places I hadn’t intended—but it was mine.


It was the first time I felt like I had created something beautiful from my own hands, a piece of my soul laid bare on the paper.


That flower was more than just a painting; it was a symbol of new beginnings and growth, much like my journey into ceramics.


Every piece I create now, whether it’s a mug, a bowl, or a vase, carries a piece of that flower’s spirit. They are imperfect, unique, and crafted with care, just like that first painting, and just like the life I am building for myself and my daughter.


Turning Points and Transformations: How Loss Shaped My Art

Not long ago, I faced another significant turning point in my art career.


In March 2024, I lost my father, a man who had always been a pillar of support and encouragement for me. His passing was a profound loss that shook me to my core, forcing me to confront my emotions in a way I hadn’t before. Grief has a way of stripping you down to your bare essentials, revealing what truly matters.


In the wake of my father’s death, I turned to my art for solace. I found myself drawn to creating pieces that were more meaningful and reflective, each one a tribute to the love and lessons my father imparted.


My ceramics became a way to process my grief and honor his memory, each piece a quiet conversation with him, a way to keep his spirit alive in my work. It was during this time that I realized just how much my art was a part of my healing, a way to find peace and purpose amidst the pain.


Inviting You to Join the Journey

Art has been a constant companion in my life—a source of comfort, expression, and growth.


Every piece I create is a reflection of my journey, my emotions, and my experiences. When you hold one of my ceramics, you’re not just holding a piece of pottery; you’re holding a piece of my story, my heart, and my soul. Each curve, each glaze, is a testament to the courage it took to follow my dreams and the healing I found along the way.


I invite you to explore my latest collection of ceramics in my online shop. Each piece tells a story, and I hope you find one that speaks to you and your own journey. Thank you for joining me on this adventure—I’m excited to share more of my heart and soul through every bowl, vase, and mug I create.



Explore My Collection: Visit my shop to see the latest creations and find a piece that resonates with your story. Every purchase supports an artist’s dream and helps me continue to create from the heart. Let’s build a community that values courage, creativity, and the beauty of handmade art. I can’t wait to see which piece speaks to you!




 
 
 

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