This year, I encountered a bit of a challenge preparing for the fair. One day, I woke up to a beeping kiln that had misfired. I had recently replaced all the parts in it, so I was completely baffled as to what could have gone wrong. I spent the entire day speculating while waiting for the kiln to cool down before I could inspect the parts. Everything appeared to be intact, and I still had no idea what was wrong with the kiln. In the midst of my frustration, I found myself repeating my common mantra: “I am not qualified for this.”

On a Monday morning, just 12 minutes after they opened, I did some troubleshooting over the phone with Evenheat. I ordered parts, and they were shipped out the same day—thank you, Evenheat! After replacing the parts, the kiln was back up and running, and it has been firing every night for the past seven days.

This setback served as a powerful reminder that ceramics often surpass the preparedness of the ceramicist. Sometimes, things go awry, and that is simply part of working with clay and firing work. Problem-solving is one of the key skills developed when taking on a ceramics studio practice. The studio itself requires significant maintenance and upkeep, and there is always room for greater efficiency. Additionally, the clay and the studio seem to have a mind of their own.

At the same time, I find it can be challenging to remember that I am the one who fixed the kiln, I am the one who keeps my studio running, and I am the one who creates every one of my pots. E Lo Ceramic Art is a one-woman show, and every purchase supports my ability to continue making funky-shaped, pastel-colored ceramics.

Thank you for being here and for supporting my work. I keep up the fight against the processes because I am committed to bringing a little bright, colorful joy into the world through my ceramics.