Meet Anne Pendergrast of Mud Whimsy in Boulder

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Pendergrast.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I received an art degree with an emphasis in ceramics in 2004. After I graduated, I was burnt out and didn’t know where to begin a career in the arts. When I left college, I also left behind the studio with all of the big expensive equipment I needed so I did other things for several years.

After working in an office, in retail, and other odd jobs I found myself really missing being creative. I signed up for a night class at the Boulder Pottery Lab (now known as Studio Arts Boulder), and I fell back in love with ceramics! I started covering every surface of my house with clay projects and spent all of my free time working on my ideas. I mostly made mugs for myself. I really enjoyed throwing forms on the wheel and then carving texture and designs into the surface.

While I was at a local coffee shop enjoying a cappuccino in one of my handmade mugs someone approached me and asked where they could buy my mug. That was my first order! My business slowly grew from there.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of my biggest challenges is selling my work. I’m an introvert and would be happy tinkering in my studio by myself all day, but in order to sell my work, I have to participate in shows, maintain relationships with shops and galleries and do a lot of customer service online. I’ve gotten better at it, but it is still a struggle. That said, I have also gained a lot by doing things that are outside of my comfort zone. I have some amazing customers that I now consider friends, I’ve met so many other creative people hustling alongside me, and made a number of contacts that have helped me grow.

Mud Whimsy – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
When I started making ceramics again, I didn’t want to lose the joy of creating. For me, that meant hand making each piece individually and creating things that bring happiness. I know I could make work faster and cheaper if I used molds and forms but I believe that my work would lose its personality. While I might not have solid “lines” of work I enjoy making each piece because I let myself follow my whims.

I am best known for my little porcelain creatures. I started playing with a little piece of clay and it turned into a really simple bear. I made about ten tiny animals and brought them to a holiday show I was in. I sold out that weekend and quickly made more for the next show I was in. Again, I sold out! It expanded from simple balls of clay with ears to complex animals with four legs and paws (or fins, or spikes, or tusks). I make so many different kinds of creatures but my most popular are hedgehogs, unicorns, and narwhals.

I also create mugs, dishes, planters, jewelry, or whatever I feel like making. I try to follow my inspiration and not limit myself. I believe my style, my humor, and my love for the craft all show in my work and make my business shine!

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I have redefined success as I’ve gotten older. I used to narrowly define success as how much money one makes, now I define success as happiness. I get to do what I love every day, and that feels very successful!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mudwhimsy.com
• Email: mudwhimsy@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mudwhimsy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mudwhimsy/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MudWhimsy?lang=en
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mudwhimsy

Image Credit:
Kit Marcy (for profile photo)

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