Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Denise McDonald | Episode 596
Denise McDonald originally trained as a Landscape Architect, obtaining a Degree in Landscape Architecture in 1991. Denise quickly realized that wasn’t for her and switched to a career path in ceramics by doing a TAFE Diploma of Ceramics in 1996-97. Denise worked in production potteries over the next few years to learn the skills and traditions of her trade from the roots up, most notably, she did the Dartington Pottery Traineeship in England in 1998-1999. Denise began her business DM Pottery in 2010.
CELEBRATE EPISODE 600!
Don’t forget to pause at the end and include your email address and Instagram account.
SPONSORS
You can help support the show!
Number 1 brand in America for a reason. Skutt.com
For all your ceramic needs go to Georgies.com
What is the part of the ceramic process that you find the least enjoyable?
Probably the selling side of it, but do you mean the actual process?
No, that’s fine. Why do you find the selling side least enjoyable?
It is just the thing that comes the least naturally to me. I am a shy, retiring type and being out there pushing my work is kind of against my nature, I think. But I have learnt to do it. I would say that is the thing I least enjoy. Having said that, I do kind of like doing markets, and talking to the public directly about the work. I hear myself talking, going through my story, my spiel, and I kind of cringe, it seems unnatural to me , because it is unnatural to me. It sounds unnatural to me. And I am thinking, is that person really thinking, Ugh, I am being sold to. I hope not.
What is one tip you learned in the process to where it became at least bearable and doable?
Just to know your story. Have a story behind your work that becomes kind of automatic for you so you don’t have to think up a clever thing to say in front of a person and you are feeling intimidated or something. Have that story there that you can just draw on.
What is the story you draw on for your ceramics?
I draw on the story of my Flanel Flower range and the whole history of that glass and the history of that pattern and how I love helping that historical pattern live on in my ceramics.
How do you define success?
Being happy. That’s about it. It’s not financial. I don’t think I will ever have a lot of money. So success for me is just being content. Having everything that you need.
Do you find that when people handle your work they treat it too preciously?
Yes, some people say, Oh I could never use this. I tell them to use it, that it is functional, and it is designed to be functional. And some people say, Oh, no I don’t want to use it. I might break it. That does annoy me a little bit because I trained as a production potter. My training was quite directed at practical, functional work and that is what I want to make. So I just have to keep telling people, No, use it. Use it.
Do you find that having specific habits built into your routine can encourage creativity?
I wish I had more habits. I just float along sometimes and can be a little bit undisciplined and don’t get into the studio until later in the day. I am not a habit sort of person. I just float along.
What does a floating day look like for you?
No, I don’t want to describe a floating day. It just makes me look too undisciplined and silly. I shouldn’t have even mentioned it and said, I am very disciplined and I go down at 9 o clock in the morning and work really hard and just give myself a one hour lunch break only ever.
Do you ever take commissions for your work?
Yeah, I do commissions. I do a lot of cafe commissions. So besides the Flannel flower work I have a whole bunch of work where it is just simple throw work on the wheel and so yes, I get commissions for large orders for things like cups and plates. But I also do the sort of commission where a person wants the Flannel flower idea but in a different form that I don’t do. I am reluctant to do something completely new for someone but if it is like a variation on something I do, like a bigger bowl or a slightly narrower vase or something like that.
What would be your perfect day?
My perfect day…strangely I don’t think it would actually involve working in the pottery. It would probably be going on a bushwalk (a hike in the bush) and hanging out at the beach. I live quite close to the beach, I am in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, walking distance to the beach. So hanging out at the beach would be quite a nice day. An early morning swim, starting early, and a nice meal at a restaurant with my husband. That’s about it, I think.
Book
Snugglepot and Cuddlepie by May Gibb
Contact
Instagram: @dmpottery