In the podcast episode we hear from Sarah Pike , a potter who has transformed her early fascination with clay into a successful career, balancing the demands of family life on a ranch with her passion for pottery. She recounts her transition from wheel throwing to slab-built pottery under the guidance of her mentor, Mark Ferris, and the creative freedom it brought. Sarah emphasizes the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and community in shaping one's artistic identity and encourages creators to keep asking "what if" to fuel innovation. She also discusses the role of social media in building a supportive network and selling pottery. Listeners are invited to connect with Sarah's craft through her Instagram @sarahpikepottery  Top 3 Value Bombs: 1. The Transformative Power of Perseverance: Sarah's story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance in the face of challenges. Whether it's balancing family responsibilities with a demanding career or rediscovering one's artistic identity, her journey underscores the importance of persistence. Sarah's experience highlights that with dedication to the craft and a commitment to studio time, obstacles can be overcome, leading to personal growth and success in the world of pottery. 2. Embracing Creative Freedom Through Technique: Sarah's transition from wheel throwing to slab building under the guidance of her mentor, Mark Ferris, illustrates the significance of embracing new techniques to unlock creative freedom. By stepping away from the traditional pottery wheel, Sarah found new ways to express her unique vision through the textures and shapes of her work. This serves as a valuable lesson for creators to remain open to exploring new methods and to entertain the "what ifs" that can lead to innovation and a more personalized artistic expression. 3. The Importance of Community and Authenticity: The episode delves into the importance of finding one's voice amidst a crowded field of creators, stressing the delicate balance between imitation and innovation. Sarah's story demonstrates the value of mentorship, community engagement, and the courage to carve out an authentic niche. It emphasizes that each small victory in the studio is a crucial step towards defining a unique creative identity, and that artists should leverage community support to combat self-doubt and grow in their craft. Take this Free Quiz to see how close you are to finding your pottery voice click here to take the quiz shapingyourpottery.com/quiz