Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kayla Harbeitner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kayla, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Changing careers to become a ceramic artist was a risk. I had been working as a freelance animator for around 5 years when I decided to switch gears. I had been doing pottery since I was 16 and decided that going full time made the most sense. I took an apprenticeship with Charlie Parker in St Petersburg, FL and it was definitely the best decision I made. I learned a lot about throwing techniques to create large pieces on the wheel as well as how to run a studio. My next risk is starting my own studio in North St Pete. I have been in the process of opening my own studio to, host classes and memberships, for the past 5 months and it has been a crazy time, but I have a good feeling it will be worth it. I am hoping to have a grand opening in January 2023.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I graduated from Ringling College of Art and Design with a BFA in Computer Animation in 2013. I have always been interested in art, both music and fine arts so it made sense for me to pursue one of them. I went with animation and I loved it. I took freelance gigs for a few years before switching over to a more hands on art form, pottery. I create decorative, functional pottery on the wheel. I enjoy bringing traditional drawing and carving into the craft to really enhance the clay forms. I create pieces ranging from mugs, tableware, and household planters, to larger scale pieces that can be both functional (big bowls, and planters) to decorative. I also enjoy taking on commissions and creating unique pieces for a specific person or couple in mind. I have really enjoyed creating commemorative wedding plates/bowls lately. What I would want people to know about me and my work is that I only put out the best quality pieces I make. I sign my name on every piece I create, and if it’s not up to my quality standard, then it does not go out for sale.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative would be I create my own work. I get to go into my studio everyday and create what inspires me. Sure, I create pieces for other people with commissions, but they have some Kayla flair to them too. Being my own boss is rewarding and frustrating, since I am responsible for how I use my time, but most days that’s easy. I love having an idea and sitting down at my wheel and making it real.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Society can better support artists by seeing them as professionals who use their time and abilities to create the art you love. When I participate in craft festivals, there are some people who comment that I overprice my work because they could make it themselves and it’s not that hard. The lack of respect for a creatives time and dedication to their skill is definitely something that society could work to support creatives better and allow more art to be introduced into communities.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ceramicsbykayla.com
• Instagram: @ceramicsbykayla
• Other: upcoming studio website: www.stpeteatelier.com

Image Credits
Brian James