Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Gallant.
Alex, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started working with clay while going to college in Vermont. I took one ceramics course and fell in love pretty quickly. It was messy, my pots were imperfect, and I was so inspired. I started spending a lot of time at the studio, signed up for another class, and learned a lot from watching other potters at the studio.
A few years ago, I quit a full-time job that wasn’t right for me, and the next day, I sold a small group of pots to a local shop. They re-ordered, I started participating in some art markets, another shop began ordering my pots – I was getting to share my art, and I was doing work that I really enjoyed.
I currently rent a small studio space north of Boston. Clay is still messy and imperfect, and it still inspires me. In addition to pottery, I also work as a writer and editor.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Deciding to work on my own has been one of the bigger challenges. As my hobby grew into a business, I needed more space than I could have at a community studio. I went from a studio that provided clay and glazes and kilns to needing to figure those things out on my own. It’s exciting because there’s a lot more freedom and flexibility, but there’s also a lot of trial and error and so much more I want to learn.
I think some of the most important things I’ve learned (and am learning) are to follow the things that excite you and to have patience with them. There will always be ups and downs, I think, and that’s okay.
It’s interesting when your art or passion becomes a part of what you do for work. I don’t want to lose that initial spark I felt with clay, and I think a part of that is making space to do your own thing – to sit down with no plan, no orders or markets in mind, and just create.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Alexandra Pottery – what should we know?
Functional pottery really appeals to me. I like when the things I use in my daily life are also pieces of art. I love having plants and flowers in my apartment, so planters, mini vases, and hanging air planters have become some of the things I make the most often. I live in a small apartment, and that inspires a lot of small pots – things like bowls and dishes for holding jewelry or salt, incense burners, and tea-light lanterns. Right now I’m enjoying experimenting with more raw clay and finding glazes with organic colors and textures.
There are so many things in our lives that are mass produced – things where we don’t know much about the maker, the materials, or the many steps it took to reach us. For so many reasons – ethical, environmental, political, and otherwise – I love using handmade things when I can.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
I’m lucky to have such an amazing mom. She has always loved creating different things, and we would often do crafts together when I was growing up. She’s incredibly supportive of all of my artistic endeavors – she’s happy to help me brainstorm new ideas or get ready for an art market, and she still uses many of my first pots in her kitchen. She and my dad owned a flower shop for most of my childhood, and I think seeing them in that role helped me to start a business of my own.
Some of my close friends are also potters and their work definitely inspires me. Check out Tessa, Meghan, and Zoe. Also, my friend Jill Demri who is an amazing painter and source of inspiration.
Silvana Costa, who owns three shops in Rockport, MA, was the first person to buy my pottery. She’s been really encouraging as a female business owner and helped me to get my business started. I met Kate Levy at an art market several years ago. She owns several wonderful shops in Beverly and Salem with her husband, Jamie. She has amazing style and has created such unique, authentic, and beautiful shops. Her belief in and support of my art has definitely been a source of inspiration.
Upcoming Markets:
Saturday, Dec 1: Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair at the Loft
Sunday, Dec 9: Somerville Local First December Holiday Market
Saturday & Sunday, Dec 15&16: 4th Annual South Boston Holiday Market
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alexandrapots.com
- Email: alexandrapottery@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexandrapottery
Image Credit:
I took most photos, Tessa Allen took the two singular (non-gird) photos
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