03/11/2026
Break. Pause. Halt. Shift. Restart. Renew.
Bit of all of the above going on in the DeVries Pottery world. Currently chasing snow and pines in northern MN; a little spring break trip with my little crew of humans and furry companions. Bigger picture has been a full stop to my usual studio pottery life. I haven’t made a pot in my own shop for close to 5 months. I’ve been teaching 4 classes this semester as a sabbatical replacement at Central Lakes College. I planned things out so I could basically commit my full energy to teaching and the college and its arts program. I knew I was a bit burned out with my own grind as a solo studio potter, but I didn’t realize how much I needed something else to focus on to reengage my full pottery self. It has been almost like a reverse sabbatical for me. I’ve been blessed with a great batch of students and the energy in the classroom is rejuvenating. I didn’t know how much I needed this until I had it. I’ll be shifting back to my full time studio career after this semester though. As much as I like teaching, I know this was a short visit for me, I’m feeling the building excitement to return to my studio and the business of being a studio potter. Hopefully some big new things on the horizon for me as I feel that excited energy to make and build and grow. Still a bit cold and icy here, but spring is on the way. Cheers all. N-
