Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Rogers.
Hi Laura , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always called my business, Laura Rogers Ceramics, “Your Typical Elder Millennial Pandemmy Project.” So many of us found ways to stay creative during the Pandemic, and pottery is how I stayed creative. I started taking lessons with Delores Farmer, who is a wonderful instructor here in Durham. Once I started, all I could think about was pottery. I knew I had to keep going and finding my voice with ceramics. I eventually became one of her studio assistants, then eventually built a studio in my shed at my home.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I find that being a creative will always present challenges. Pottery is a luxury item, it is not inexpensive to make and it is not inexpensive to purchase. People don’t NEED handmade ceramics, people often choose that they want to invest in your art. We often have to diversify our offerings because selling ceramics alone is not always sustainable. For instance, I purchased a kiln. In order to offset the cost of the purchase of the kiln, I have opened my kiln up to rentals through kilnshare.org.
Selling ceramics is also not immune to the fluctuating economy. Materials to make ceramics are finite. We have seen several materials that we are used to using, become not available due to mine closures or environmental impacts. One of my favorite clay companies, based out of Asheville, had to permanently close due to the impact of Hurricane Helene. Like many industries, we are often having to adjust how we do business.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I make what I lovingly call “dopamine ceramics.” I create functional porcelain ceramics utilizing bright colors, screen printing, and nostalgic imagery. I am most inspired by vintage floral wallpapers and fabrics, which stems from my background in the print design industry and my Grandmother who’s home was covered in amazing wallpapers. A lot of the imagery that I use in my collage pieces depict the unique Millennial experience of growing up in an analog world while witnessing and participating in the digital awakening.
What matters most to you?
Equality matters most to me. Being an Millennial, means growing up in unprecedented times after unprecedented times, and it means that someone is always left behind and I hate that. I hate that I am watching our country slip back into fascism, and seeing every intersection of marginalization, from ability, to race, ethnicity, and identity being affected at exponential rates. The gravity of it all feels very heavy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://laurarogersceramics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/potter.in.the.pines
- Facebook: Laura Rogers Ceramics
