Katy Lane STUDIO FUNDRAISER

Ceramic homewares encourage slower moments. A stoneware plate or mug begs you to pause to enjoy a meal with a friend, or a savor a hot cup of coffee. My goal is to create hand crafted pottery that brings slower living into your hands and homes.

I have been a maker all my life. I discovered clay ten years ago, and was instantly captivated by the sensory process of working with mud. In 2018, I began selling my ceramics in small batch flash sales on Instagram; and I was shocked to be met with tremendous support. Last year, in 2019, I received a degree in Studio Art with a concentration in Ceramics from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. As a young woman who has been riding the poverty line since I first arrived on this whacky planet-this was a MAJOR accomplishment for me, both financially and creatively. Eleven years ago, I was told the only way I was going to college is if I paid for it myself. Here I stand, 29 and muddy, proudly clutching my bachelors degree-ready to build the small ceramic business of dreams.

What is holding me back, you might ask? The bottom line: I need a kiln to continue producing work. For those of you that aren't well acquainted with pottery lingo, the kiln is the giant oven that bakes the mugs. :) Without it, all of those lovely pots in your kitchen would dry out and return to dust. A kiln costs anywhere from $3,000-$10,000, depending on make, model, etc.

Currently I transport my fragile, unfired pots across town to be baked at a local friend's pottery studio. I am beyond grateful to have had access to this space while I grow. However, it puts one of the most vulnerable aspects of my process in someone else's hands. Pots tend to break during transportation. Due to the nature of sharing space, my ceramics don't get fired for weeks, sometimes months after creating them, even though this process only takes a few days. It's simply not sustainable long term. 

The fulfillment of this fundraiser would allow me to launch into full-time production of my ceramics. My primary needs include: a Kiln, a work-table, glaze material, clay, a space to build my studio, and various pottery tools. This funding would also allow me to launch my website, acquire necessary packing material, and, ultimately, bring my handmade pottery to your doorstep. 

Thank you for taking an interest in my life long dream of becoming a full time working artist. My art and it's process is the absolute most sacred part of my life, and by supporting it, you are supporting my well being.  If you'd like to learn more about me and my little dream, feel free to shoot me a DM on instagram, @offcenterpottery. I am beyond grateful for your support of my big dream. Your investment in me gives me life. Thank you.