Rising Dawn Ceramics Founder, Kelsey Dawn
Who is your biggest inspiration?
This question is surprisingly hard for me to answer. I have different people who inspire me for different reasons. My mother for her humor, my father for his wisdom, my partner for his empathy... When I think of who inspires me every day, especially in my creative space, I just see "her." The small business owner that's a strong leader, the single mom giving her all, the friend who supports the ladies in her life, the wife who has a strong voice. So I guess if I had to boil it down, my answer would be women.
How did you get started creating pottery?
I went to college for Art Education and took my first ceramics class. By the end of my college career, ceramics was my main medium. I am lucky enough to teach ceramics to high schoolers so I am encompassed in the medium every day. (This also means my clothes are always crusty and my hands are always dry, but whatevs.) I went through a big transition in my life that resulted in a lot of change and growth within myself. This led me to take a look at my priorities and how I wanted to spend my time. This resulted in me selling my work and shar`ing it with my community, and eventually, the country!
What makes you excited for every day?
The challenge! Ceramics is a frustrating medium. You have to be comfortable with failure. However, when pieces turn out it's like a freaking party. It makes every day unpredictable and it pushes me to grow. Sometimes, it's draining, but most of the time it's just so fun! I feel so lucky that I get to do what I love every single day. When my hands are in mud, I'm in my happy place. It doesn't feel like work, and that's all anyone wants, right? □
