Today we’d like to introduce you to Shahane Sahakian.
Shahane, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started this muddy journey back in 2009 when I first touched clay in my high school ceramics class at Newton South. Fast forward and I’ve been working with clay for about a decade now. I got accepted to Alfred University where I received my BFA in Fine Arts with a concentration in Ceramics and a double minor in Art History and Psychology. In University I developed my skills as well as planted the seeds that would grow to be my future ambitions as an artist.
When I started turning my love into a business I had to switch my mentality. Instead of using my art to talk about what bothered me I started asking “how can I work towards fixing these problems?” As a result I’ve developed as an artist, business woman, and human being. The values I respect I try to embody within my work.
Ultimately what pushed me to follow this path was reflection and meditation. I realized I was at my best and happiest while working with clay and in the arts. I knew I’d be cheating myself if I didn’t follow my heart and pursue ceramics as a career so here I am!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There are no smooth roads that lead to a meaningful/deep satisfaction. I love that about life even if it causes me some lows with the highs. I’m a firm believer in balance and duality so I welcome the challenges that come my way.
Ceramics is going through a social renaissance at the moment but it seemed when I first decided to do this most people thought I was crazy; even myself if I’m honest! I faced financial difficulties, emotional breakdowns, stress, long nights babysitting work and kilns. The list is endless- even the scientific aspects of the art form are vital and can be challenging.
Having people you love and trust on your side is no laughing matter. I wouldn’t have made it without the love and support of my loved ones. If you love what you do and can’t see yourself happier in any other place then do whatever you have to! I promise the sleepless nights will pay off if you believe it will. The moment you make the decision to tell yourself “I can do this” and continue to reaffirm that nothing can stop you.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Pudgy Pottery is a business that specializes in handmade ceramic work. We sell a range of functional ware, sculptures, planters, and spiritual items.
The planters focus on the different elements and enable people to have not only a bit of nature in their homes but a beautiful work of art as well. This balances seasonal depression and can reduce stress and anxiety for people in urban areas.
Our functional work is inspired by nature and I depict its grandest moments in order to remind people how beautiful life can be. If you can wake up with a beautiful landscape as your morning cup of tea or coffee I hope it will inspire us to work together to preserve it.
Pagan work adds some humor as well as normalizes new age spirituality. Embracing the balance of life, Yin & Yang, will only help us get back to basics and work towards a healthier more sustainable life.
Here at Pudgy Pottery we focus on healing the earth and trying to keep our practice as clean as possible. Ceramics can be harmful to the environment and the artist’s health if not done right and we strive to work towards the best renewable practice we can as we grow. Being involved in Pudgy Pottery means you have to be knowledgeable about both the art and science of what we do. This coupled with our love for our consumers is both what sets us apart from others and what I’m proudest of.
What were you like growing up?
I feel like Boston and surrounding areas are the greatest places for me personally considering where I am at in my career. There’s an existing fine art community as well as an up and coming need/want for authentic handmade ware. There’s a special magic that comes with knowing your Potter and the public is becoming more aware of that.
Contact Info:
- Address: 25 Andem Place
Brookline MA - Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PudgyPottery
- Email: pudgypottery@gmail.com
- Instagram: Pudgy_Pottery
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