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Emily Reason | Episode 516
Emily Reason is a potter, artist, and Instructor in Professional Crafts and Ceramics at Haywood Community College in North Carolina. She holds an MFA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and BFA from West Virginia University. Emily’s ceramics career has encompassed artist residencies, writing, teaching, and exhibitions.
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What makes a potter a professional?
That is a good question. I think it has to do with how you present yourself and your work to the public. And probably to some degree that you are earning some level of income from it, whether it is just part-time or full time. Participating in the professional marketplace in some capacity, I suppose.
You seemed hesitant of mentioning money making as defining a professional. Why is there is a hesitancy about that?
Because I think that quality of the work should come first. I am sure there are lots of people who make professional quality work who never sell it. I guess by definition professional must mean something that you earn some money at, that would be kind of secondary as the work needs to be of the best quality first and foremost.
How important are mentors to show the path for someone?
Well, I think as a teacher our job is to help students discover their own creativity and their own abilities but it is the student’s job to rise to the occasion. I try to present students with as much information and opportunity as I can. So it is part my responsibility and part theirs.
What is your favorite marketing platform for showing off work?
I am no expert in social media. When we talk about social media in our Crafts Marketing class we are encouraging students to think about it as a part of their portfolio as a part of a brand that they are establishing. It is important to keep in mind that it is a trend and it will change. The platform is something that will always be changing.
How important is flexibility in being a marketer or promoter for yourself?
It is absolutely critical. And I don’t mean to belittle the power of Instagram because it is tremendously powerful. So that flexibility is important. Don;t put all your eggs in the basket of Instagram because some day it is going to change. Figure out a smart way to use it as the powerful tool that it is and be aware you can use those strategies in other platforms.
My last question for you is: What is your favorite tool to work with?
Probably the two tools that are the last tools to touch every piece which is either a chamois to smooth the rim when I am all done and I have a red plastic rib that is so well burnished it has almost lost it’s color. It is almost clear. I also use it to burnish the foot and the walls.
Book
Wheel Throwing by Emily Reason
Contact
Instagram: @reasonpots