We were lucky to catch up with Sarah Hunter recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sarah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
In 2021 I took a risk and invested in a pottery wheel. I’d been discouraged from doing so from some individuals as I am considered a “painter” not a “potter”. However, I could not shake the feeling that this was a journey I needed to embark on. This remains today one of the best risks I’ve ever taken.
How it started…In January of that year some things were starting to reopen post COVID and I signed up for my first official pottery class. Within the first couple of lessons, I learned that I needed to stay loyal to my left-handed self and throw lefty. After that realization the struggle lessened and I fell in love with the practice.
I scheduled practice days with the studio and went in on my own to try and improve. This particular studio was a bit of a distance from my home. However, despite snow or ice I was there to practice every week. I was determined that pottery was going to become a part of my life.
When the class ended, I found myself devastated…the local pottery studio near my home was very supportive and offered their space for practice but at the time they only had wheels for right-handed potters. While I can throw right-handed it is not at the same caliber that my left-handed throwing is. Try doing some things with your non dominant hand this week and you will see what I mean.
So, I sat down with tears of frustration…I felt devastated…After some crying, careful research, and my husband’s encouragement I decided to invest in my own pottery wheel. I tuned out the voices telling me to “just use my right hand and use borrowed wheels” “don’t waste your money, you aren’t a potter”. I decided I would determine what I become and in doing so would stay true to my left-handed self. At the time I didn’t know where to buy clay or fire my work. I believed that it would all work out. One by one the doors opened and I have met amazing people along the way.
Today I am happily throwing pottery, teaching pottery, and selling my work. It brings me joy, and best of all, it brings joy to others.
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 am a painter, potter, and private art instructor living in western Pennsylvania. I started my journey as a Studio Art Major at Saint Vincent College in 2008. For me this art journey has been a therapeutic means of expression. My work focuses mainly on nature and humanity. I am constantly looking for ways to inspire people to care for the earth and each other. My love for nature has been expanding as I have started beekeeping this year. I love incorporating bees into my pottery and encouraging others to care for our pollinators. Save the bees!
My intent is to bring healing through art. Whether this be from viewing artwork, using a handmade piece of pottery, or working together in private lessons.
I’m a very genuine person and I like to think that is reflected in my artwork and teaching. I love humanity and above all else I strive to improve the lives of my customers and students. My intent is that our interactions leave them feeling uplifted. I believe that artwork improves an individual’s life. Therefore, I strive to keep my artwork affordable and accessible.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
My creative career started with a lot of resistance. I did not have n art portfolio going into college and I had never taken a formal art class in my life. I actually entered college “undeclared” as a major. My first semester work study brought me to the art department. As I was working in the drawing class I felt a deep longing to take the class but it was full when I made my schedule. The instructor, David Ludwig, knew how badly I wanted to take it and asked registration to let me in! Halfway through the next semester I felt frustrated and confused…I loved art but I was struggling so hard…honestly…. I was very far from good. This was a path I had always secretly desired and it was not coming easily. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was my destiny. I spoke with Ludwig and he encouraged me to become an Art Major and just keep practicing. He had to go advocate for me to the Dean of the Art School in order for them to approve me. I remember him saying “She has the passion; we can teach her the skills”. Once they let me in the struggle continued but overtime, I did improve. Unfortunately, Ludwig passed away my junior year of college. I wish more than anything that I could thank him today. He taught me to be resilient and to believe in my dreams, I will always be so grateful to him.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I often think there is a misconception that artists are naturally talented, disorganized, don’t work that much, and even if they do they just have “fun” doing it. I have worked so hard for every skill that I have, honestly, none of it has come easily to me. I’m okay with that because it makes me a better teacher. However, to look at someone who has years of experience and think “you were born that way, I’m just not talented like you” …well…chances are that is extremely inaccurate. I’ve been where you are and the struggle is real. It’s about fighting for what you want. As a creative entrepreneur you have to be organized. Otherwise, your business will fail. If creatives ever seem disorganized to an outsider it may be because we are trying to juggle too many things at once. It’s very hard to be the person doing everything for the business. The creatives I know are constantly fighting burnout and often working 10 plus hour days. It can be mentally exhausting working for hours and never knowing if the income needed to support your business will come from those hours. Think about it for a minute…. can you see how this is not always “fun”? I choose this life because I feel called to enrich the lives of others despite the struggles. In a world of AI I feel it is important to preserve real works made by the hands of artists. I encourage my fellow creatives to connect with other like-minded individuals and share information. This doesn’t have to be a lonely path. We can support each other and succeed together, there is enough room for all of us in this world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarahhunterart.com
- Instagram: sarahhunterart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCensoredArtist/
Image Credits
Personal photo – Credit to Sarah Hunter
All other images – Credit to Bridge Perspective