A Painter Turns Potter | Lexie Lynn Burke | Episode 919

Lexie Lynn Burke | Episode 919

Lexie Lynn Burke is a painter turned potter. Lexie is adding a little artwork to functional mugs to help people to enjoy their mornings just a little better. Inspired by what she sees from day to day (especially pop culture) and often mug illustrations change with the seasons, Lexie’s portraits are her favorite challenge. Lexie also loves an illustration with a black outline to make it pop. Lexie rarely repeats an illustrations, so every piece is unique. Works full time as a senior accountant, Lexie pursues her passion on the side.

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Knowing that you are not coming to pottery with a blank canvas, having been a painter, does that give you a sense of confidence?

Yes, I would say so. I think, especially not having the educational background, I feel like I have more freewill in venturing out into what I wanted to paint. It wasn’t based on This is how we do it, This is how we implement things. I was able to go with the flow so I could change my style and do whatever I feel or want to do.

You have a strong sense of value for you work based on what you charge for your cups ($50 to $75 each), so when you started to price your work, were you looking to other potters to define that price point, or were you looking towards your history of what it took to sell your paintings?

That’s a good question. I think it was a mix of both. Most of the potters I interact with the focus in on the form and with mine it is a little different with the painting on it. So I have a little bit of both. Most of my value comes from the painting on it and that is how I price things. So more towards my painting because that is what I am know for.

You mentioned that you did do a little side glancing towards other potters when you talking about pricing. Having said that, have there been times when you were looking around at other’s work that you would get a little discouraged about your own work?

Oh, yes! I think this is a natural human tendency to compare. But I try not to let that affect me too much. Everyone has their own different styles and that is the way I try to look at it. You can’t compare apples to oranges. I put painting on mine and someone else might have unique glaze combinations that I am so jealous of. It happens, sometimes you can’t help but be envious of others work so I just try to stay focused on my own work.

I am interested in that answer that sometimes you will get discouraged. How do you use that discouragement to motivate you?

Whenever I see someone’s work that is amazing I will talk to them to understand their process and maybe get some insights on how I can improve my work. Most potters are in the same boat and people are always trying to improve themselves. So I think talking to them and learning from them. So that’s how I try to look at it.

How do you get input on improving your pottery?

How I get feedback is through the studio. All your work is on display in the studio and we have a great community and we try to learn from each other out. People want to see you succeed and they want to see you win so I am happy to be part of it.