Sharing my work is one of my favorite things about ceramics. Whether it's showing off a finished piece or walking someone through the process from raw clay to fired form, I love bringing others into the world that fascinates me. My first experience sharing my work was at the Roaring Camp Art Festival. I had many of my pieces donated and felt glad that I did so. 

I got to share my artwork with others and simultaneously make more room on the shelves. Setting up the area for our ceramics allowed me to engage with others there who were also interested in what was going on. I got to see many other people's art and noticed how different it was from mine, which really opened my eyes to the diversity that goes on between artists.  I learned from that day that getting involved with the community is a very important part of any hobby. 

     During the holidays, I give a lot of ceramics to my friends and family. Knowing that they will use the thing I had handmade for them makes me extremely proud. Seeing the look on my grandma's face when I make her a new vase or mug makes my day and reminds me why I enjoy ceramics so much.

     Something I am proud of that I do is recycling clay. My teacher taught me to do this and I have been doing it ever since. I never realized the importance of doing so until I had my own clay at home; where I realized how much actually goes to waste. Keeping the extra clay that would otherwise go down the drain saves hundreds of dollars a year and keeps you from contributing to the issue of waste.