In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the journey of potter Lyssandra Gallup, who shares her story of self-discovery and healing through the craft of pottery. From her early days in high school art class to a transformative period at a community college in Austin, Lysandra discusses the evolution of her skills and the critical role of community in her growth as an artist. We delve into the nuances of pottery creation, from mug design to textural techniques, and explore the moment of realizing one's unique artistic voice. Both Lyssandra and the host reflect on the importance of self-compassion in the creative process, emphasizing the therapeutic joy found in artistic expression. Lyssandra's insights underscore the value of continuous creation, community support, and the courage to be kind to oneself on the artistic journey. You can learn more about Lyssandra by checking out her instagram @lyssandragal Top 3 Value Bombs: 1. Embrace the Journey of Growth and Self-Kindness: Throughout the episode, Lyssandra emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and kindness as a foundation for both personal and artistic growth. By being gentler with oneself, artists can foster a more enjoyable and productive environment for creation. This mindset also allows for the space and patience necessary to develop technical skills and discover one's unique artistic voice. 2. The Power of Community and Continuous Creation: The episode highlights the significant role a supportive community plays in an artist's development. Lyssandra's experience in a community college setting and subsequent involvement in local markets and pop-ups in Austin illustrate how learning and growing in a communal environment can lead to opportunities, connections, and feedback that propel an artist forward. Additionally, the practice of continuous creation is touted as a way to become less attached to individual pieces and more open to exploration and improvement. 3. Recognizing and Cultivating Your Artistic Voice: A key moment in the episode is the discussion around discovering and acknowledging one's artistic voice. The conversation suggests that artists may struggle to see the cohesiveness in their own work due to being deeply immersed in the creative process. By stepping back to gain perspective, seeking feedback from the community, and embracing platforms like Instagram for showcasing work, artists can better understand and develop their unique style. The advice to not put excessive pressure on oneself and to find joy in the process is a "value bomb" that encourages artists to naturally evolve at their own pace. Resources: The Questions we ask will determine how our pottery will look like that's why I created a Free 15 questions to help you discover your voice template go grab it here www.shapingyourpottery.com/questions