Your Pottery Dealer
About
It’s been quite the journey getting to where I am today. I started at the end of the pottery process at a local paint your own pottery shop, providing customer service and ensuring customers had an art filled experience all while juggling jobs teaching kids art or soccer in San Antonio, Tx. So I have a knack for “getting down and dirty” and having loads of patience working with all age groups. There’s zero pressure to have something made at the end of my classes. It’s all a process. Myself and the clay are very forgiving, meaning you can always start over and we’ll trudge on together.
Highlights
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Depending on the craft at hand, I usually have an excercise that "breaks the ice" just see where their creativity might flow and if they are needing assistance with techniques that's where the instruction will come to play.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have experience working for the Northside Independent School District (NISD) from grades Kinder through 5th grade. My time spent at NISD was for the after school Learning Tree program involving extracurricular activities as well as instruction through the program's curriculum.
After trying out the teaching route I dipped my toes into more creativity and began working at Clay Casa San Antonio. I worked the studio floor by assisting guests with their selection of pottery as well as demonstrating techniques from our samples. Occasionally I would host parties of all age groups teaching them new and fun ways to paint their pottery.
Currently I am on my own adventure as a self-employed artist making my crafts that include painting, sculpting with clay and soon get back in the wheel for ceramics. Recently I have completed a wall mural paying homage to my very first craft (see profile picture). The wall opportunity was given by a local non-profit San Anto Cultural Arts where I also teach clay projects.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing varies by the craft involved. No more than $15-$20 and hour. I recommend a student should have at least two hours worth of instruction balanced with creativity.
How did you get started teaching?
Upon graduating from the Univeristy of the Incarnate Word through some soul searching and taking a Soccershots coaching postion. I set my sights to apply for a school setting and landed at NISD's AUE Elementary in Boerne, Texas. I started with teaching after school enrichment programs for Kinder and surely made my way through 5th grade.
What types of students have you worked with?
The full spectrum from Kinder- 5th grade including those who need extra TLC.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Teaching at SACA was my first instructonary debut since leaving Clay Casa over a year ago. I had an emotional roller coaster of nervousness and excitement. I developed the demo with hands on instruction taking them step by step and was blown away by how creative the kiddos were. Aware it was a short period of time (three days) the kiddos were asking when I would be back. So naturally I didn't want to give their hopes up and said I would see them soon. I simply shook off my rust and was inspired to get back into teaching.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Never be afraid to ask questions, to mess up or get messy. I always emphasize, "Clay is forgiving." So don't be too hard on your self, shape and move to your mood or inspiration of the day. It could be a masterpiece or a work in progress that you learn more and more about yourself. As a teacher we learn more from you, to have more patience, humbleness to start over and taking risks just like you are right now seeking guidance.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What medium or materials would you like to work with?
Do you have the materials to get started?
"I want to do Pottery but I don't have access to a kiln? OR a wheel? Can I still learn Pottery..." YES! You still need to know the basics and local studios do provide kiln firings and glazes.
"Am I wanting to learn something from the teacher or try something I was inspired by via social media, window shopping etc?"
Whatever it is, we'll work together to see it through. The wonderful thing about art is opportunity & community. We're in the same boat as you, trying to figure it out.