Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Sherrill.
Hi Rachel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I went to college in Abilene., TX for studio art. My painting professor encouraged me to take a pottery class so I did. I hated it at first. I was absolutely terrible. Which most people are when they first try pottery. I continued to take classes for the remainder of my time in school and by the time I was getting ready to graduate I had fallen in love with it.
There was a potter in Buffalo Gap, the town over who was retiring. George Holland, he was a very well-known and had been doing pottery for years and years. He was selling his whole setup… everything you’d ever need to start up your own studio.
Long story short I graduated in December 2012, and my parents, who have always supported my passion, bought George Hollands Studio and moved it to my hometown Maypearl, Texas’ I opened my studio doors January 2013. I still use almost all of George’s equipment to this day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Is it ever a “Smooth Road?” Haha, Pottery has challenged me more than anything else in my life!!
I threw in the towel time after time but always ended up starting again. Simply put… Pottery is hard. There is a lot of trial and error. Especially at the beginning when you don’t even know how to program your kiln.
Another struggle for me was being in such a small town. Maypearl has less than 1000 people. We aren’t exactly a tourist town. I didn’t have a good following yet on social media and my pottery just wasn’t selling. It was a major downer. My following on Instagram has changed my life. I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with social media but the way it has helped get my product out there for people to see has really been a game-changer.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I mainly make functional ware. Mugs… lots of mugs! I hand throw on a wheel. I use a Shimpo Whisper wheel. (That I got from George)
I’m known for my Southwest/western style. One of my most popular items is custom brand mugs. These are mugs with your cattle brand on them.
I’m proud of by business as a whole! We’ve come a long way. And by “we” I mean me, my best employee (my mom), and now I have two kiddos thrown in the mix who come with me every day to work. Wyatt,4, and Hudson Grace, who will be 2 in July.
I think my glazing technique is what sets my artwork apart from most. My designs and my technique itself. I have also started doing some watercolor mugs where I hand paint on a mug using Amico’s watercolor underglazes. These have been very popular.
I also think being a full-time mommy on top of running my business full-time sets me apart from others. Most moms don’t take on that challenge but some do! And I have made many “Mama Maker/mompreneur” friends through my Instagram.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I love interior design and architecture. I like to scroll through my Realtor.com app and look at houses on the market all over the country. Then I get bummed that I can’t afford the $85, 000,000 historic mansion in Beverly Hills, CA! Maybe one day.
When I make dishes for people, I like to envision my pieces in their space and try my best to make it all flow and be aesthetically pleasing.
I have been brainstorming and experimenting with some “Home decor” pieces such as wall hangings, lamps, pendant lighting, and bathroom sinks… it’s a never-ending sea of ideas and possibilities which all go hand and hand with my love for interior design.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.studiorktx.com
- Instagram: @studio.rk_
- Facebook: @studiorktx
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