Join The Shaping Your Pottery Newsletter By Clicking This Link shapingyourpottery.com/newsletter This episode features an intimate conversation with Lucy Be Phillips, a potter known for her slip-decorated teapots and unique ceramic pieces. Lucy shares her journey from studying sculpture and feeling unfulfilled by conceptual art to discovering a profound connection with pottery. Early fears of surface decoration led to years of focus on form and function until her experiences, particularly an influential stint in Italy and an introspective period while decorating her tiny house, encouraged her to experiment with color and design. Lucy discusses the discipline learned from various pottery practices, including wood firing and apprenticeships, and how these experiences shaped her approach and technique. Teaching pottery has allowed Lucy to reflect on her process and learn from students, underscoring the importance of embracing one's unique voice. She highlights the significance of patience in selling one's work, finding the right market, and the transformative power of recognizing and pursuing one's true artistic direction. Lucy’s story is a testament to the idea that the journey of a potter is long, filled with learning, personal growth, and the continuous discovery of one's voice within the craft. You can learn more about Lucy by checking out her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lucy_be.ceramics/ 00:00 Welcome to Shaping Your Pottery: The Journey Begins 00:14 Discovering Pottery: Lucy B Phillips' Story 00:24 Overcoming Fear: The Art of Surface Decoration 03:50 From Mud Australia to Italian Mastery: A Potter's Evolution 10:42 Embracing Whimsy: The Creative Process Unveiled 15:43 The Business of Pottery: Making a Living from Your Craft 17:14 Teaching Pottery: Sharing Knowledge and Finding Joy 20:32 Finding Your Voice: The Path to Unique Pottery 27:48 Final Thoughts: Embracing the Pottery Journey