2024 Year in Review

January 2025

As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on what has been a challenging yet transformative year for me as an independent pottery artist. Despite the hurdles, there have been moments of joy, creativity, and connection that made it all worthwhile.

FarOpen Art Trail & Exhibition

This summer, I had the privilege of participating in the FarOpen Art Trail, showcasing my work alongside other talented artists from the region. It was a wonderful opportunity to open my studio doors, meet new people, and share the stories behind my pieces. Later in the autumn, I contributed to a group exhibition, which brought a different kind of excitement and connection to the local art community.

Navigating Tough Times

It's no secret that 2024 has been a tough year for independent artists. Sales have been slow, and like many, I’ve had to make some difficult decisions to adapt. One major change was closing my Shopify website and transitioning to a free platform through SumUp. While it lacks the frills of a dedicated e-commerce site, it meets my needs and allows me to focus on creating.

Balancing Acts

Pottery remains my passion, but it’s a journey I currently balance with my main employment as a bookkeeper. Most weeks, I dedicate one full day to my studio. While this slower pace of production can be frustrating, it has also opened up space for experimentation and growth.

Experimentation & New Directions

With less pressure to produce batches, I’ve been exploring more with glaze recipes and venturing into sculptural forms. This experimentation has been a source of joy and a reminder of why I fell in love with ceramics in the first place. It feels like a return to creativity for creativity's sake.

Joining Handmade in Britain

A highlight of the year was being accepted onto Handmade in Britain, a highly curated platform showcasing exceptional craft and design. It’s an honor to be part of this community, and I look forward to seeing where this opportunity leads in 2025.

Looking Ahead

As we step into 2025, I remain hopeful. I’m grateful for the support of those who continue to champion small, independent makers like me. Your encouragement makes all the difference. Here’s to a new year filled with creativity, resilience, and connection.

Thank you for being part of my journey.

Warm wishes

Amanda Dawson