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Looking Back on My Ceramics Journey

Writer's picture: Sydney KennedySydney Kennedy

Reflecting on the milestones, challenges, and growth that have shaped my path as a ceramic artist.


It’s funny how life comes full circle sometimes. I first experienced working with clay in high school and found myself drawn to it in a way I didn’t fully understand at the time. Years later, I took a ceramics class in college, partly to see if that passion was still there or if it had just been a fleeting interest of my younger self.


The moment I got back into it, I knew I was meant to work with clay. Now, as a young adult, ceramics has become so much more than just a hobby; it’s a powerful outlet for my emotions and creativity.


A Milestone That Changed Everything


A ceramic kiln in a truck bed, driving down the road.

One of the biggest milestones in my ceramics journey came when I made the decision to create my home studio. I’ll never forget finding my first kiln online—it was like a sign that this was really happening. I drove down to Midland, Texas, to pick it up, and soon after, I bought a wheel, clay, glazes, and tools. That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life as a ceramic artist. It felt like a leap of faith, but it was the push I needed to truly dive into my craft.


Rediscovering My Rhythm


Of course, my ceramics journey hasn’t been without its challenges. After taking a three-year break from ceramics, I had to rediscover my rhythm on the wheel. It felt like dusting off cobwebs from all the knowledge I had gained in college, and at times, it was frustrating.


I watched countless YouTube videos, threw hours of flopped pieces, and slowly worked my way back into the groove. Through all those moments of struggle, I was reminded that growth often comes from the hardest parts of the journey.


Evolving My Technique


Looking back, I can see how much my technique has evolved. One of the biggest improvements has been honing in on making more even walls on my pieces, something that used to be a struggle for me. Now, I’m hoping to push myself even further by creating more cohesive collections, like dinner sets that include plates, bowls, and cups. It’s exciting to think about the future and what new skills I’ll learn along the way.


A Piece That Symbolizes Growth


A fluted trinket dish with a pink smooth, glossy glaze on the inside and a black matte glaze on the outside.

One piece that stands out in my mind as a symbol of my growth is my Black Matte/Rose Quartz Trinket Dish. It may seem simple, but for me, it represents a turning point. I hadn’t made a fluted piece in a while, and I experienced several flops before landing on this dish. The fluted edges added a sense of movement and personality that I hadn’t been able to achieve in previous attempts. It was a small victory, but one that felt significant in my journey as an artist.


Looking Ahead with Gratitude


As I reflect on where I am now compared to a year ago, I can see how much I’ve grown—not just in my skills, but as a person. My personal growth has had a direct impact on my ceramics. I’ve been able to infuse more emotion and thought into each piece I create. I feel more connected to my work than ever before. I’m excited to see where this journey will take me next, but for now, I’m grateful for every challenge, milestone, and lesson that has gotten me here.




I’d love to hear from you: Please feel free to leave comments, share your thoughts, or ask any questions you may have. For more behind-the-scenes content, follow me on on Instagram and Facebook at Your Sister's Pot Shop. I also encourage you to sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date on new pieces and blog posts. Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to continue sharing this creative journey with you.


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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