Tell us a little about the items in your shop. What do you make?
Most of what's in my shop is functional ware, fired in either a salt or gas kiln with a heavy reduction atmosphere. I also Raku (a form of Japanese pottery developed in the late 16th century: it's characterized by low firing temperatures--resulting in a fairly porous body--and the removal of pieces from the kiln while still glowing hot); due to the sometimes-application of toxic glaze ingredients, low temp, and porous nature, Raku pieces are considered non-liquid-bearing and non-food-safe.
What is your creative process?
My style is organic, function-focused, occasionally whimsy-driven... I usually sit down to work with a specific purpose in mind--whether that's a commission or a new idea I've sketched out--although sometimes (usually when I'm at the wheel) I get in a headspace where my hands are just doing without any real direction. So I suppose my process is rather less of a process than a relationship with the medium. Additionally, I always have coffee and Nine Inch Nails nearby, when I'm in the studio--they keep me moving forward.
Which Etsy Teams do you belong to?
The Ceramics Team on Etsy, The Etsy Mud Team, and teamBPAL.
When you are not creating things, what do you do?
I work, write, enjoy spending time with my children, and occasionally find time to read or play MMORPGs with my husband.
Tell us two random, interesting things about you.
Random I got--but interesting? Let's see: my favorite year-round GC BPAL is Snake Oil (although I deeply mourn the passing of Phantom Queen); and I don't really have anywhere to wear it (nor did I have any real reason to have it made), but I own a custom, full-length, steel-boned corset.
What has been your proudest moment since opening your Etsy shop?
Finally getting more of a handle on photographing pottery… I'm still imperfect, but it was a massive learning curve for me.
What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?
Be patient, be willing to promote yourself (something I still struggle with, admittedly), and packaging materials are your friend--use them well.
What handmade possession do you cherish?
I treasure a small, wooden folding table my grandfather made.
If you could have any item on Etsy regardless of price, what would it be?
I covet millinginline's gorgeous "The Mistress' Poisons" boxes. (Although... the number of times I've looked at Kambriel's designs and imagined something to go with that corset!)
What other skill or talent do you wish you could possess, if you had not taken this creative path?
Apart from wishing I could carry a tune, I'm pretty happy with the different skills I've picked up over time (and made peace with those I haven't been able to develop to my satisfaction).
Where else can we find you on the web?
Facebook page: facebook.com/ECarnellPotter
Twitter: twitter.com/juniperus
Blog: elisabeth.carnell.com
BPAL.org: as juniperus-intrepidus
**This feature temporarily concludes our run of Friday spotlights! It's been fun to get to know all of you and your work over the past year, so thank you to all who signed up to be featured.
Your trusty spotlight busy bee,
Alicia Stardust**
