An Interview with Emily Russ of Emily Russ Ceramics (Creativity Over Coffee)

It’s time for another installment of Creativity Over Coffee – you know what that means! So grab your coffee (or tea) and join us!

Creativity Over Coffee

Meet my friend Emily, she is the creator of Emily Russ Ceramics and I think you will love her work and this little chat! I met Emily two years ago at an event at Buttonwood Books and I instantly fell in love with her handmade pottery. It is soooooo coastal and perfectly captures New England coastal style, which you know is my favorite. Emily is such a kind person and so very talented. She loves nature, animals, and life here on the coast. I’m so happy to share more about her and her beautiful creations here.

So grab your coffee and join us for a fun chat!

An Interview with Emily Russ of Emily Russ Ceramics

Many people believe they are not creative. I hear this all the time. It is my hope with these conversations with my talented friends that I hope to inspire my readers to believe that they truly are creative. That creativity is just sitting inside of them waiting to bubble over.

Hi Emily, I’m so excited to be chatting with you and learning more about your beautiful ceramics. Can you share more about your creative path with my readers?

Emily – Of course! I was always very interested in drawing and art in general as a kid. It was always where I felt most calm and happy. I didn’t start with clay until I was about 17. I attended a month-long program at Maine College of Art that was meant to give high school students an opportunity to experience what life in art school would be like. We were to choose a major, take classes for that major as well as additional fine art classes. I was supposed to be a painting major but the moment I walked into the ceramic room with its big wood tables and large windows I knew that was where I needed to be. My teacher Patti Smith welcomed me with open arms and took me under her wing. I officially had the “clay bug” and was hooked.  

How did you get started with stoneware clay?

Emily – At Maine College of Art we used stoneware clay and most of the classes I took over the next decade used stoneware. Stoneware is a mid-fire clay that is safe to use for cookware and is very durable. It is also easily fired in an electric kiln which makes it both convenient and accessible to many. I have dabbled in high-fire clay, porcelain, when firing in a wood kiln which is a totally different experience and much more labor intensive. 

When do you feel most creative or happy?

Emily – When I am in nature – whether it be a walk in the woods or on a beach. This summer I was able to spend a good amount of time making pottery outside on my porch and it was a really joyful experience. 

Oh, wow! That sounds amazing to be creating and sculpting outside! Who or what inspires you?

Emily – I am very inspired by nature as is evident in my work but also other artists and teachers. Recently, when I have been in a creative slump, I will take a class or watch instructional videos to try new techniques and get myself out of my own comfort zone. Doing something new or learning a new skill always inspires me to move forward. 

Do you have a favorite piece that you’ve created? 

Emily – I have a few. Usually they are pieces that represent a milestone for me. For example, the first pitcher I ever made resides in my kitchen. I remember being so proud of it. At the time, it was the biggest piece I had ever made and it turned out exactly how I had envisioned, the shape, the finishing, the glaze, handle, etc which was also a big milestone for me at the time! 

Do you have a favorite color or colors?

Emily – The last two years have been all about teal. I was obsessed with my teal glaze and how it allowed to me to create pieces that reminded me of the ocean. Recently, I have been leaning more towards earth tones and the natural colors of different stoneware clays. 

What struggles have you found running your own creative businesses? What are the highlights or perks of being your own boss?

Emily – Time management! Finding a balance between working and being present at home. My studio is at my house so sometimes I feel guilty working when there is a pile of laundry waiting to be folded. I’m working on it! The best part of working from home is being with my dog, Ollie, even though he mostly sleeps! 

Can you talk a little about your new botanical ring dishes? They’re so pretty and delicate.

Emily – Thank you! They are so much fun to make. I learned about pressing plants into clay years ago when I took classes. Many potters use this technique in a variety of ways. I was inspired this year because I moved to a new house and the previous owners were huge gardeners so I was surrounded by so many new plants and flowers. I loved seeing how different ones would press. Not all press well. One of my favorites to press was tall yard grass! The most humble plant made one of the most beautiful designs. 

If someone wants to try out clay or ceramics do you have any advice? What about clay with kids? (I have to admit I can be really confused and intimidated when I’m at the art store in the clay aisle.)

Emily – When people get nervous around clay I always remind them, it’s just dirt. Don’t be afraid! One of the reasons I love pottery so much is that there are so many different ways to approach it and they are all okay. My advice to someone looking to get into pottery is to take as many classes as you can. Like many hobbies or art forms, practice is key. With pottery, especially wheel throwing, having the opportunity to practice on the wheel and get a feel for the movement is really important. 

Clay with kids is amazing. I have not personally taught many kids classes but what they create always blows my mind. They have a much more relaxed and imaginative approach to clay than adults. I am always inspired by their work. 

I agree! I feel like adults have a tendancy to critique while creating while kids are just free and excited to make and create. They don’t self-edit. What advice would you give someone who wants to follow in your footsteps or who would like to start a creative business?

Emily – Ask questions and talk to others who are doing what you want to do. I have only gotten this far because of other business owners and friends who have shared their own wisdom and experiences. 

Growing up I was a huge follower of INSIDE THE ACTORS STUDIO.  At the end of the program, they would ask the interviewee these questions:

1. What is your favorite word? Allora

2. What is your least favorite word? Chock-o-block

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Nature

4. What turns you off? Social Media

5. What is your favorite curse word? Shit

6. What sound or noise do you love? Wind-chimes

7. What sound or noise do you hate? Silverware scratching on a plate

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Vet tech

9. What profession would you not like to do? Accountant

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Your dogs are waiting for you

Isn’t Emily’s pottery lovely? I really enjoyed this chat and hope you did too!

Be sure to follow along with Emily:

If you’d like more Creativity Over Coffee you can read the full series here.

Photos courtesy of Emily Russ – Emily Russ Ceramics

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