As a pod maker, I face many challenges. First, how to explain these things that I am compelled to create. Next, what does one do with a pod? And lastly, how does one find a good home for all of her pods?

The pod form fascinates me and I keep waking up in the morning with fresh ideas for pod life. I draw my inspiration from plants, sea creatures, cellular forms and my crazy dreams. The pod idea grew from a class at our local ceramic supplier, Georgies, about 10 years ago, where they taught us how to make a hollow, round form from two pinched pots and I've been trying to figure out new ways to use these forms ever since.

Usually, I'm really stretching the functionality of the pod and it becomes more art than form. The salt and pepper shakers, jars, and vases seem useful, but most of what I make comes out more decorative than functional. I mostly make sculptural pods for walls or garden stakes and rattles. What can you do with a pod? Hopefully, it will tell you.

I opened my Etsy shop in 2009 to sell my pod-based-ornaments. It was a pretty big deal for me and a step towards becoming an established artist. I have other artistic dreams - I'd like to paint to express some of my vivid, colorful dreams, again - dreams about plants, sea creatures and cellular forms, but I'm not done yet making them from clay. I'd also like to one day to make my living from art and have a storefront art shop, where I could also feature other artists with a focus on collaboration. I still have a day job (which I do enjoy) to supplement my artistic income and it's a part of my life that's difficult to give up.

Pod Maker in Transition,

Denise