My first clay memories are from sixth grade. Mrs. Clark, our art teacher, let us explore clay’s sculptural qualities. I made a lion, my favorite animal at that time. It was in High school where I really cultivated my love of clay. Our high school had an amazing art program, and ceramics was an integral part of it. Like most programs, we started with hand building, but I was fascinated by the wheel. I was determined to go to college and study ceramics to become a potter. My family had other plans.  I settled for architecture. Architecture was wonderful too. Throughout the years, I dabbled in pottery.  I even had a wheel and a kiln, but I knew nothing about running a studio, and life events sent me in other directions. It is in the last two years that I began again. I was overwhelmed by how quickly my skills came back, but also by the deep sense that I could finally live my dream. This Fourth of July, for the first time, I am selling my work at the Breck Create market. It is scary but exciting. I also have been chosen to participate in the Denver Art Museum’s Colorado Day market as an emerging artist. New adventures, much to learn, skills to hone. The website is a start. Not up to my usual standards, but I have to start someplace. I invite you to keep checking back and see me grow.

Ruthann Sherrier