Today we’d like to introduce you to Katy Lockhart.
Katy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Being a kid of the 80’s, my first exposure to the wheel was (of course) Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in Ghost. Like wowza, who wouldn’t want to play on the potter’s wheel? Despite my gravitation towards the wheel, I was only able to take a ceramics hand building class in college… and I earned a C. Really. It was a rogue arts center catalog in my mailbox and a credit card on the verge of its limit that landed me in my first pottery class at the Spruill Center for the Arts in Dunwoody. I’ve been throwing pots ever since.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I feel like being an artist, there is always this ebb and flow of inspiration vs. stagnation. It’s almost a yin and yang type energy. You have to keep believing in your work and push through the tough part of a stagnant cycle to get to the good stuff. (Almost like a marriage, am I right?) Oh and guess what? Potters actually get injuries. It is murder on your back after a while.
Firefly Studios – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Firefly Studios creates bespoke pottery with a modern sensibility. Lately, I’ve been specializing in beautiful, custom handmade mugs with a state/country silhouette and a tiny heart on a location. These have been really popular!
I’m most proud to hear people say, “I use your mug every single morning for my coffee!” It’s awesome to think that something I crafted with my hands brings someone joy every day. I like to make beautiful things!
I think my background in graphic design has set me apart from other potters. I tend to focus more on decorating the surface of clay – I think of it as my canvas.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is having the luxury (and freedom!) to create what you want, when you want. To be able to be creative and earning a living doing it, is an ultimate achievement.
Pricing:
- Custom made Firefly Studios mugs $28/each
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fireflystudiosga.com
- Email: katylockhart@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @firefly778
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/fireflystudios?ref=ss_profile
Image Credit:
Kim Lindsay with Oh Happy Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
