Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyx Stewart.
Hi Alyx, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The story of Solana Beach Pottery begins with an inspiring visit to a small village in France by the name of Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie . Situated northeast of Uzès between the forests and scrubland of the Uzège region, Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie is a village that has escaped mass tourism but which still remains lively thanks to the presence of its craftspeople, potters of course, with over twenty small ceramic studios scattered throughout the tiny medieval village’s maze of twisted streets.
Strolling through quaint and “provincial” streets of Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie the main attraction lies with the potters and ceramic craftspeople who live and work there. The artists all display a friendly rivalry with each other in the creativity and originality of their work. Visiting each pottery studio became a fascinating and truly unique learning experience.
As the name of the village indicates, archaeological digs can attest that pottery-related activities have been intimately linked to the town’s history dating back to the Neolithic period. The vestiges of a potter’s kiln dating from the 12th or 13th century shows that the pottery industry there is well over 700 years old. The village experienced its heyday in the Middle Ages when the Pope in nearby Avignon ordered floor and wall tiles and other objects from the potters of Saint Quentin.
The inspiration gleaned from visiting this amazing French village took root and ultimately led to our own ceramic studio. Located in Solana Beach, California we have taken what we learned in France and adapted it to reflect our own unique Ocean and Beach oriented style. All members of our immediate family have since taken up a variety of roles in this home based business.
Spring 2020 Update: With the Covid-19 Pandemic lockdown in full effect, we decided the best thing we could do while restricted to home life, was to focus on increasing our product offerings and creating an On-Line presence. Hence this website come into existence along with our Instagram account!
We all thoroughly enjoy creating objects that start with clay, one of the earth’s most basic elements and turning them into collectable pieces of highly functional and artist beauty. Firing the clay shape to very high temperatures in a kiln, and then adding the elements of oxidation and glazes produce magical results that truly amaze us every time we open up the kiln and ultimately drive our passion.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest challenge we had to face was when COVID-19 first hit, and everyone went into lockdown. With the pandemic in full effect, we decided the best thing we could do while restricted to home life was to focus on increasing our product offerings and creating an online presence since we could no longer offer in-person lessons or show our work at markets. Hence our website came into existence along with our Instagram account! We were then able to grow a fan base of people outside of San Diego and have since started shipping out our work nationally.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I enjoy the tactile experience of working with clay. The feel of the clay in your hands, the way it moves and responds to your touch, can be very satisfying. I find the process of creating something from scratch to be both challenging and rewarding. There is a sense of accomplishment in seeing a finished piece that you have made yourself. I think everyone can appreciate the beauty and functionality of ceramics – Pottery can be used to create both practical and decorative objects, and the possibilities are endless. Being able to share that love with others through our pottery lessons has been extremely rewarding.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Be patient and have fun! Pottery takes time and practice to master. Don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts don’t turn out perfect. Just keep practicing, and you will eventually get better. Play around with the clay and enjoy the process of making something beautiful with your own hands – it’s supposed to be fun!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://solanabeachpottery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solanabeachpottery/
