Member Highlight: Kristin Smith

Carved Bottles by Kristin Smith

A Passion Rekindled

Kristin’s relationship with art has always been a part of her life, though it took a backseat as other responsibilities took precedence. "Art always popped in and out of my life," she says, reflecting on her earlier years. "It wasn’t until after I retired that I had the time to really dive in and explore it more deeply." Her first serious encounter with pottery came when she took a hand-building class during the final months of the COVID lockdown. "I loved it right away," she recalls. What started as a short, 3-4 week class sparked something in Kristin that would ultimately lead her down a new, creative path.

Though she initially faced challenges, such as finding local pottery studios, Kristin’s dedication kept her moving forward. She began refining her skills, diving deeper into her craft, and discovering what truly captivated her. For Kristin, that passion was functional pottery—particularly mugs. "There’s something so satisfying about creating something you can actually use in your everyday life," she explains. "I love mugs. They’re simple, but each one is different, and there’s so much room for creativity in them."

The Meditative Nature of Pottery

One of the most compelling aspects of pottery for Kristin is the meditative quality of the process.

"You can really lose yourself in what you’re doing," she shares. "Pottery is a way to zone out and be fully present. It’s incredibly addictive in the best way. When I’m at the wheel, I can just let go of everything else."

The quiet focus required for throwing on the wheel or shaping clay is what makes it a deeply fulfilling practice for Kristin. It’s not just about creating—pottery offers a space to clear her mind and be in the moment, a calming contrast to the demands of everyday life.

Kristin works primarily at The Wheelhouse in Portsmouth, where she has developed her technique and expanded her artistic boundaries. As a self-described "wheel thrower," she enjoys working with clays like the B Mix, a smooth stoneware blend that allows her to experiment with different textures and finishes. While she has focused largely on wheel-throwing, Kristin is keen to explore other pottery techniques, such as pit firing and raku firing—methods she finds intriguing and fun.

A Year of Experimentation and Growth

Each year, Kristin sets new goals for herself, always pushing the boundaries of her creativity.

"This year, I’m focusing on new clays and different glaze combinations," she says. "I also really want to experiment more with surface design, particularly with underglaze printing."

Her work reflects an ongoing evolution, blending her love for simplicity with a desire to explore more complex textures and finishes. For Kristin, pottery is about both the process and the end result, and she finds herself constantly experimenting and learning, whether through her own practice or by seeking inspiration from other artists.

Social media, particularly Instagram, has been an invaluable resource for Kristin. She follows a range of potters who inspire her with their creative surfaces and techniques. “I love seeing how people combine printmaking with pottery,” she says. “It’s such a cool way to bring a new dimension to your work.” Kristin also enjoys engaging with her fellow studio mates, exchanging ideas and discussing new glazes or techniques. The collaborative, supportive environment of the pottery studio plays a key role in her growth as an artist.

Embracing Failure and Moving Forward

When it comes to her creative process, Kristin is open about the challenges and failures that come with pottery.

"Pottery is all about trial and error," she says. "Things are definitely going to fail, and that’s part of it. But you learn more from those failures than from your successes."

It’s this "keep-at-it" mentality that has helped her continue growing and refining her craft. Kristin believes that pottery isn’t about achieving perfection—it's about learning from each piece and continuing to experiment. “The most important lesson I’ve learned is that pottery is a series of little lessons,” she explains. “Each piece, each attempt, teaches you something new."

Kristin encourages newcomers to pottery to embrace the process without the pressure of creating something perfect right away. "My advice to someone new is: Don’t make anything you’re going to keep. Push the clay as far as you can. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and see how far you can take it," she says. For Kristin, it’s not about rushing to create a perfect piece; it’s about enjoying the journey and seeing where the material can take you.

The Wheel House Members: Amy, Kristin, & Katie

The Joy of Community and Inspiration

While Kristin works independently, she thrives in the collaborative environment of the pottery studio. The Wheelhouse where she spends much of her time, offers a light-filled space that provides both inspiration and a sense of community. "The light in the studio is everything," she says. "Being in a space with sunlight really changes the way you see your work. It’s such an inspiring atmosphere."

Kristin also finds inspiration through social media and pottery books, always eager to learn new techniques and ideas from fellow potters. "I’m always flipping through books or scrolling through Instagram, looking for new inspiration," she says. “There’s so much to learn, and I’m excited to keep pushing myself and my work forward.”

Kristin's Smith's Storage Area.

Looking Ahead

As Kristin continues to explore new techniques and refine her skills, her passion for pottery remains as strong as ever. What started as a post-retirement hobby has blossomed into a fulfilling, lifelong pursuit. For Kristin, ceramics is more than just an art form—it’s a journey of self-discovery, creativity, and connection to both the material and the people around her. Through her ongoing experimentation and dedication to the craft, Kristin Smith proves that pottery is not just about creating objects, but about the transformative power of the creative process itself.