Something new.
Where we put our attention matters; time is finite and choices are necessary. For most of the last 15 years, my attention has been focused on this pottery company, and I'm proud of what it has become. Alongside it, bit by bit, I've quietly worked on something else: a body of large, one-of-a-kind pieces, built on the wheel and signed with my own name. This newsletter is about those pieces and how I've found space for them.
I jumped into supporting myself on my ceramics at 25, wide eyed and green like a sapling, with a flip phone, a clunky bicycle, and a big dream. I started with just the Fermentation Jar in a 100 square foot subleased space in Berkeley. Over the years I grew, moved through three different spaces, acquired several kilns, and brought employees on board, all in service of creating a company that could make the everyday stoneware that I love and can see that you love too. I hoped it would pay the bills and leave me free to pursue creative work that doesn't fit as neatly into a P&L. There was always more to be done, and for a long time developing new work was out of reach while I focused on staying afloat. Slowly, that has shifted.
A few years ago, friends began encouraging me to pursue the other branch of my vision. I owe a big thanks to Kelly Zaneto and Joshua Vogel at BCMT in Kingston NY, remarkable artists who also represent a wonderful group of artists. My first pieces landed in their beautiful gallery a few years ago; those are mostly sold, but you should certainly stop by to see what they've created if you're in the Hudson Valley.
I make these pieces on the wheel, building them up one section at a time, starting with a loose plan and letting the shape bloom as it grows. My experience as a ceramicist informs this work; in the process, I draw on my understanding of clay, glaze, form, and firing. It's lovely to make something without an end point, something that isn't immediately a commodity, where I can put all of my care into getting each one right. It isn't easy or fast, but it gives my creative side the pace, novelty, and satisfaction that I seek.
I have struggled with how to present this work. I considered if it belongs on a different website, or under a pseudonym. There has been a discussion about keeping my utilitarian line (Sarah Kersten Studio) completely separate from this new, larger, more design focused work. I'm signing these pieces individually with just my name, Sarah Kersten, (no studio), and putting them on our website under "Sculptural Vessels," where they will live for now. Someday they may have a website of their own.
You are welcome to browse the new pieces online or stop by the studio to see them in person (as always- email info@sarahkersten.com to schedule a studio visit). In November, a selection of these pieces and other, similar new work will be part of a group show at Erica Tanov's atelier. It is my hope that this branch of my creative practice will be ongoing.
Our everyday work isn't going anywhere. We have a lot of holiday surprises in progress at the pottery company, and I’ll be sharing them here over the next few weeks. I have a few special small works coming together. I'm genuinely excited about this season.
If you are one of our beloved customers and generally love using our ceramics every day, I hope this gives you a richer appreciation for my creative practice. Please contact us with any questions.
Thanks for reading,
Sarah
Shop Sarah Kersten Studio pieces here
Questions? Email info@sarahkersten.com