Collaboration Feature #3: Potter Stacy Snyder

Hello, Friends! 

I am so excited for you to “meet” my friend and potter Stacy Snyder via today’s post, the latest in my Collaboration series featuring fellow moms, entrepreneurs and creative business owners.

I met Stacy years ago; our kids went to the same preschool. We share a love of natural textures, printing techniques and color. The past two springs, we collaborated on a Spring Studio Sale. It has been such a treat to watch her craft evolve over the years.

Earlier this year, Stacy and I chatted more about her work over coffee. (Who wouldn't want to drink coffee out of this mug?!). I hope you enjoy learning more about Stacy's work as much as I did. 

xo, 

Kate

p.s. Attention, Holiday Shoppers! If you are looking for hand crafted, functional and beautiful holiday gift ideas, check out Stacy's Holiday Pottery Sale happening this weekend at her home studio. Located at 508 N. Kenmore Street in Arlington, VA, hours are 10a-5pm this Saturday, 12/3 and 12-5p on Sunday, 12/4. 

Pictured above: one of Stacy's beautiful mugs on my desk. My favorite way to start any morning!

When did you start your career as a potter?

In 1999, I built my cabin and studio and officially started as a professional potter.

Where do you draw inspiration?

One of my main sources of inspiration are photographs of the collaborative duo, Bernd & Hilla Becher, German photographers of industrial architecture ... and bike races! I love the energy and complexity of the races … the little villages that they go through … the roof lines in the architecture.

Pictured above: bike mugs and vases from Stacy's new white clay series

I also love the work of the historic Japanese potter, Rosanjin.  He would create these sets of plates - but instead of all being the same, they were part of a family. Similar … yet each one unique. They would look like brothers and sisters; quintuplets! He also had a way of layering surfaces, contrasting colors, foreground and background.

How do you approach your craft today?

One of my major goals in the work I do is to develop a contrast - for example, contrast in delicacy and strength, shiny and matte textures; bold and delicate lines, colors and black & white.

 

Photos above courtesy of Stacy Snyder Pottery

What advice would you offer to others pursuing a creative business:

The advice I received from my professors: “Nobody will invest in you, unless you invest in yourself.” So set up your studio, give yourself the time and have confidence in yourself.

Also, it takes balance - and that balance is always changing. Especially as a parent and a mother. You have to always adjust that balance, because it never stays the same. Just when you think you have your kids on a nap schedule, it all changes. This is the same with work. This is also part of the challenge and joy of problem solving.”

Share a moment of surprise in your work:

I remember a story from one of my teachers, a potter. As she was working, she was talking to herself saying, “Oh, I’m in trouble, I’m in trouble!”. I think about that sometimes when I’m in my studio. Sometimes getting yourself in trouble can help you find the best solutions. It’s a great place to be. 

As an artist, if you want to grow, sometimes you have to get yourself into trouble. You have to put yourself out there. And you have to make mistakes. That’s one of the best things about being an artist. 💛