Check Out Emily Schwertfeger’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Schwertfeger.

Hi Emily, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Throughout my life, I have spent a lot of time trying to find my calling, but one thing that has always remained constant is my love and passion for pottery and all forms of art. My journey with ceramics began in 8th grade. At the time, I was uncertain about what the class entailed, but I was excited to try something new.

My older brother, Paul, was a gifted ceramic artist. When I told him about my ceramics class, he was thrilled for me and even purchased a pottery wheel for our parent’s basement. He used it to create truly magical pieces, showcasing his unique talents as an artist. Unfortunately, that same year, my brother passed away, and it was then that I felt my journey with ceramics truly began.

After his passing, his wheel was sold to our high school ceramics teacher, and we felt comforted knowing it was in good hands. The following year, I enrolled in the same ceramics class with the same teacher, and it was there that I had my first experience working on a wheel, and discovering the power of creation. On my 16th birthday, I was re-gifted to my brother’s pottery wheel, which remains one of my most treasured possessions.

I had always dreamed of starting my own business and becoming a full-time potter but soon discovered that the excitement in my creations was diminishing as it started to feel like a burden instead of a passion. This is a common occurrence in the art industry. I decided to shift my focus and treat pottery as a side hobby and found that by doing so, my love and excitement for it was reignited, and I can create with my full potential and enjoyment.

Fast forward to a few years ago, in 2019, I moved into my first home. Walking around the property, I found a shed on the side of the house that appeared to be a perfect pottery studio. It was as if the house was meant for my husband and me. With the help of my family, we transformed the shed into a beautiful and functional studio, complete with a kiln. The creative process of ceramics is endlessly fascinating to me. Every piece is created in its unique way.

For me, working with clay serves as a form of therapy, allowing me to process my thoughts and fully immerse myself in the present moment. My brother continues to be a major source of inspiration in my work. I later named my business Soul Stoneware as my art is truly filled with my soul. “A soul is something that can be developed and nurtured”.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Growing up, one of the biggest challenges can be figuring out what you want to do for a career. I experienced this, as I tried different paths before ultimately realizing that I wanted more. It has been a continuous journey of finding a career that I am passionate about and that allows me to utilize my strengths. After many years of searching, I finally found the perfect job in the tech industry helping design websites at which I excel.

My advice is to keep exploring and never stop searching for something that brings you happiness and fulfillment, whatever that may be. For example, I had a dream of becoming a full-time potter but soon realized that the joy in my creations was fading as it was not meant to be a job to me. So, I turned it into a side hobby and found that when I create, I put my all into it, making it not a chore but a true passion.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I primarily focus on creating functional pottery pieces, such as cups, plates, and bowls, that can be used in everyday life. Recently, I have been experimenting with other mediums such as leather, metal, and rope to add new dimensions to my work. I have also shifted my focus away from taking custom orders and instead put my energy into creating pieces that align with my artistic vision.

I believe that this is an important part of the creative process, as it can be easy to get caught up in the desire to gain business through custom orders, but this can also stifle one’s artistic expression. It’s important to strike a balance between doing custom orders and creating pieces that align with your artistic vision. I am incredibly proud of my ability to conceptualize an idea and bring it to life through my own two hands. The process of bringing something from an idea to a tangible reality is truly magical to me.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Art and mental well-being are closely intertwined. Creating art can serve as a form of therapy, especially for those dealing with mental health issues. I highly recommend exploring different forms of art, particularly those that involve using your hands to create something from start to finish. You are loved.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.soulstoneware.shop
• Instagram: @soul stoneware
• Facebook: @Soul Stoneware