Is a disruption in your art practice a blessing or a curse?

I’ve noticed that disruption is sometimes romanticised, treated like a maverick force that shakes things up for the better. People talk about it as the dramatic turning point, the creative catalyst, the moment an artist “evolves.” In my experience, it’s usually far less poetic. Sometimes it arrives as a blunt message telling me to vacate my studio with two months’ notice. No build‑up, no gentle nudge, just a sudden shift that rearranges my entire practice (and life) in one stroke.

This latest disruption wasn’t curiosity or experimentation. It was a forced move, abrupt, inconvenient, and perfectly timed to collide with everything else already pulling me away from the studio. One minute I was working; the next I was mentally sorting tools, equipment, materials, and eleven years of accumulated “useful things” that suddenly needed to be boxed, carried, or rehomed. It was a complete dismantling of the foundation of what I do as a ceramic artist.

WordPress has an image generator that can’t spell glaze but you get the picture. The image is not too far from the truth.

I got the news while I was in the studio, making work. It was around 7pm. My immediate thought was, Well, I guess this is how it all ends. I started imagining alternatives: selling my equipment, getting a part‑time job, moving abroad, or signing on and wrestling with the government’s benefits labyrinth. It took a few hours for the enormity of the situation to land. Panic, shock, and anger followed, anger at the idea that an arts organisation could decide it’s acceptable to throw out artists simply because they can’t balance their books despite the fact that they set up the space to begin with!!

This kind of disruption, the uninvited kind, has a strange way of revealing things. It showed me what my practice can withstand. It showed me what I can withstand. It showed me how I can adapt when the choice is adapt or disappear. It showed me that I have sooo much stuff and I do not need to buy anything for a long time. Will use what I have and be inventive and creative.

I won’t pretend it feels like a blessing. Blessings don’t usually involve negotiating licences and leases, floor plans, or the need to find a space that doesn’t require a second income. Seriously, the hunt for space was something else, it deserves it’s own story. I also won’t pretend it’s purely a curse either. Curses tend to shut things down. This disruption, irritating as it is, has pushed things open: new spaces, new ways of working that require me to make the rent every month. Not sure what those new ways are but I better get on with it.

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Instagram post showing the before and after of making the new space functional.

The truth is, disruption never arrives at a convenient moment. It shows up when I’m already stretched, already juggling, already navigating the demands that pull me away from making. It doesn’t care about timing. It simply announces itself and waits to see what I’ll do next.

So is this disruption a blessing or a curse? I’m still deciding. Most days it feels like both, a mess with potential. What I do know is that my practice has survived every interruption so far. It ought to survive this one too.

If you’ve followed my work, supported it, or simply enjoyed watching it twist and turn over the years, now is a good moment to stay connected. Share this post, check in, keep an eye on what comes next — because the next chapter is being built in real time, and I’d love you to be part of it.

Saltaire Makers Fair 3rd and 4th May 2026

I’m taking part in a makers’ fair in Saltaire soon. If you’ve never been, it’s a lovely place to wander — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the canal, Salts Mill and all the little shops and cafés. I won’t get to enjoy any of that this time; I’ll be in Victoria Hall selling my wares.

I was accepted to the fair a few months ago and tried to get ahead, but early pieces didn’t make the cut. A few plates warped, some design decisions were… questionable. I took a risk and gave myself more room to experiment, because I wanted work I could stand behind completely.

The last batch went into the kiln on Friday and should be out today (Sunday). Fingers crossed for some solid results after what has been a very intense month. I’d love to say I’ll post photos of the new work, but realistically that might not happen. Check my Instagram feed for the latest work. For now, I’m just looking forward to showcasing the newest pieces and seeing how they land.

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Need to get ready for the Urban Art Fair in London coming up in July… I have lots of ideas just need to execute them successfully.

What I am good at – A WordPress prompt

Daily writing prompt

What are you good at?

View all responses

We are all good at something whether we know it or not even if it is a sh!tty ‘skill’ or habit. I am good at spotting bullsh!tters. I can spot the scam the liars and the duplicitous 80% of the time. I am good at using my intuition. I am ‘good’ at offending people. People get offended and feel affronted by my words and actions. It is not something I set out to do but nonetheless they are offended. Not everyone but those that are fragile or those that are guilty or those that are not used to being called out or those that have never looked within and know who they are.

I am also good at making and creating and coming up with ideas. I am good at organising. I am good at lots of things. I doubt anyone really cares what I am good at. I wish I was good at writing in a way that captures attention and my words lingered in the mind of the reader. I would have been good if I had practiced to write and taken lessons from the 100’s of books I have read in my life time.

Anyway…

Those are my initial thoughts on the daily prompt. It is my first time doing it and I’m not sure I will do it again.

Make sure to read my latest blog. First one in about 2 years: https://sazistudio.wordpress.com/2025/05/26/i-almost-gave-it-all-up/

I almost gave it all up

It’s May 2025. If I had followed my feeling back in January, I would not be writing anything here for you to read. I wanted to not only give up my ceramic business and studio but to give up every frikking thing and leave. Run away actually. Seems really ridiculous looking back now but at the time it felt like it was the best thing to do if I was to feel better. Where would I be without making with clay, being creative and practicing my art? To add insult to injury I became ill, ended up in A&E and had to have surgery. WTF! A lesson I have learned is do not make life changing decisions when you are in a heightened emotional state or in mental distress experiencing trauma. Give your self time to feel like shit, cuss and cry, be angry at the world for a bit but give yourself grace and space to heal. Get therapy, and don’t linger in the fog of sadness and grief too long.

‘Love your self enough to know when enough is enough’ – We the Urban

Playing with AI is like trying to teach a cat to fetch—utterly adorable but ultimately disappointing! Here I am, feeling like a sad potato, but trust me, I don’t resemble this woman at all. She could be my grandmother.

So, the consequences of not being creative for months and months means I made my self invisible. Invisible within the creative classes, online and in real life, invisible to those that know and like my work invisible to potential customers and invisible to the bloody algorithm. Not producing, not making, not posting on social media not doing anything but being a hermit. Making and creating is what I do so I am here back at it with a renewed vigour and a plan, learning lessons and remembering who the fk I am, and that this is my happy place.

If you follow me on Instagram you may have noticed that in April 2025 I posted content everyday for 30 days. It was not easy and I know I haven’t pushed my self far enough as I have posted zilch in May. I noticed that I didn’t get any more followers my views settled down into the 300 – 400 dead zone. This told me that what I post is not great or I am yet to find my audience and I don’t understand the algorithm. Honestly, I can’t be arsed. Effective marketing is the answer.

In the past I have often publicised what I planned to do in the business. However, 60% of the time, I have failed to fulfil that endeavour in whole or in part. So I have decided take a different approach and share what I have done, what I like, what I am making, what I am thinking, whose work I admire and work I can give constructive criticism to, who I am collaborating with, where I have been etc. Yes, I am aware of the irony of yet again telling you what I am going to do. There is a lot of wisdom and experience I can impart. Can’t get to my age and not have anything in the bag. What kind of life would that have been?

What have I been doing?

A commission for a start up company. Producing some mugs as part of the company launch. Not as straight forward as I would have hoped. Interesting to follow someone’s design.

Given a complete idea as a commission is unusual for me. I have almost completed the project. Will post the processes with the pitfalls and successes in a few weeks.

A friend asked me to make a couple of themed items over a year ago. I am just getting to the end of finishing them now. I know, poor time management.

Bread and birds.

One theme was bread and birds…

Another theme was on the book Sula by Toni Morrison. A classic and hard hitting novel. I will have the work completed by mid to end of June. I will certainly showcase the finished results and the processes.

Lastly, I have been indulging myself with making and putting together some collages. I enjoy them. Some are better than others but I sold one a couple of weeks ago. Very encouraging and affirming.

A couple of the collage works produced last year (left). I love that I use ceramics in the work and add to the canvas. Both works fairly abstract but the narratives are, for me, linked to my heritage, indigo, used in dying fabrics in Africa, (common in many parts of the world) and cobalt blue to represent indigo in the ceramics. The adinkra symbols of the Akan people in west Africa feature many times in my practice.

A piece I am working on (right). Still playing with it, rearranging, adding and taking away.

No idea yet what the final collage will look like. I know when it feels right that it will be ready. It’s intuitive.

Come back again soon to see what I have been up to.

This blog entry is dedicated to my friends, who listened to my sh!t and offered me truths and wisdom, made sure I ate, brought me food and healing herbs and made me go outside for walks and drives in the country to remember and appreciate the beauty of nature. You know who you are. Big love to you xx

SAZi Studio workshop info

I run half day tasters (3 hours), 1 day and 2-day workshops. I do this on a supply and demand basis which works well for me and those like me, with busy lives. You can choose either a throwing or hand building workshop. I teach at a beginner, improver and advanced levels.   Costs include: Expert, experienced, and professional tuition Quick guide to clay (for one day and two-day workshops) Preparation and administration Materials and use of equipment and tools Bisque and glaze firing (Kiln) Coloured clay slips Glaze Refreshments   Participants will produce from one to seven pieces dependent on workshop choice, skill levels, concentration, commitment, joy, and perseverance. For SAZi Studio workshops, earthenware clay is used. If stoneware clay is a preference, then an extra cost of £18 per person is added to the workshop fee.     Workshop Costs The 3 hour taster – £70 per person The one-day workshop – £150 per person The two-day Workshop – £190 per person Workshops tailored to needs and requirements – Varied with costs starting from £60 – £80 per person     Workshops start at 10am and finish at 3pm. The taster times are 10am -1pm. On request times of 11am – 2pm OR 12pm – 3pm are also an option.   SAZi Studio Gift Vouchers are available for any of the workshops above.   I can accommodate up to 2-3 people for the throwing on the wheel workshops and up to 8 people for hand building sessions. Please note that COVID 19 is still a thing. If you are attending any SAZi Studio workshops and have any COVID symptoms please do not come. We can rearrange. If you would like to book a workshop, please click this link – Booking form. Dates can be agreed later if this has not been done already.

Happy New Year?

A brief look back at 2022

I wrote the following in January 2023 posting it now as it still remains relevant. What do you think?

I am kinda glad to see the back 2022 if I am honest. Lots of interesting and progressive things happened but that gets overshadowed by the crappy things that also happened; the many fallings out, the struggles, the arguments, the unspoken conflicts, overwork, the stress, the deadlines, the loss of people loved and respected add to that the societal issues, pressures and complications that impact your movements, your mood and your hopes. I understand that how I deal with it is a test of my character. Whoever likes being tested?

I need to build my self-control, self-discipline, build understanding and nurture forgiveness. I need to increase these traits in my character. I am forced to examine my own mortality, morality and begin to really accept that our time is limited on this earth. My personality is my personality, take it or leave it but how much of it do I need to curate so those that are insecure are not offended? 

For now I will leave most of 2022 where it belongs, behind me, build on the triumphs and prepare for the future I have ahead…

I am proud of the bag of ‘tricks’ (skills, knowledge experiences and qualifications) I have acquired in my life, and I give thanks that I have been able to follow my passions and interests, none of it was easy. The fact that I exist doing the things I love and enjoy is testament to that.

As we enter the 3rd month of the new year I can say I am able, remain thoughtful and still have ambitions and ideas yet to be fulfilled. Being part of social and professional networks offers support and information. They are crucial and keep you connected and your actions relevant.

Thank you to everyone that has supported my ambitions, the community art projects, SAZi Studio, offered a shoulder, directly or indirectly, Thank you, thank you thank you.

I hope I can be as supportive and offer my services whenever and however I can through out 2023 for all those that remain in and enter my life as we move through the year. Do the best you can, learn new things and do better. We can always do better. Life will go on with or without us so live it the best way we can.

Sending love and light.

Sixty at Sixty

My reflective mood is brought out by my new age of 60 years. I am deeply thankful that I have been able to reach 6 decades and at the same time can’t believe that I am 60! WTF!!

Society, particularly in the west, doesn’t appear to value age or older people in the ways that it should or could. As women we become invisible, our sexuality becomes neutralized and our sole purpose in life is to be carers, whilst knitting for the grandchildren… Am I wrong, do I exaggerate?

I don’t feel I fit into those boxes, well maybe a few, I do care for my grand daughter from time to time and I like knitting, when I get the time.

Aging should be celebrated, without the time given to me I couldn’t have achieved the things I had achieved. If I had left the earth in my 20’s there would have been very little to remember me by, I would have made so little impression and done nothing of worth except have my first born. That probably isn’t true. We all bring something even if we leave earlier than expected. It has taken me all this time to blossom, stand up for what I believe in and be part of many a campaign. It has taken me ages to understand myself and accept parts of me that I or others may dislike or are unable to cope with and to accept the many mistakes and stupid decisions I have made. All I have tried to do is grow and learn from my own actions and actions against and in support of me.

As we grow we become less anal about stuff, we say what we feel and become more daring, caring less about what others think and more about what makes us feel good. Tolerance levels change drastically. Are you with me?

My wardrobe is less drab and I wear what I like, or what I think suits and fits me. I like the look of these individuals. Inspirational.

Granted these are just random images from the internet and my Pinterest account that I barely use these days. I like ’em, it’s the confidence that strikes me first. You can see the full eclectic mix I have on my fashion Pinterest board through this link

Before I digress further I am celebrating my 60 years by making 60 vessels at 60. Hence Sixty by Sixty project. A celebration of ceramics, life and art. I do hope you can support as I will be making through the year to raise funds, to practice and experiment with new and rarely used techniques and enjoy the space I am in. Each piece will be individual and unique.

See some preliminary sketches here:

Looking forward to making the pieces and documenting the progress over the the next few months. Stay tuned via this blog, better still follow via Instagram @sazistudioceramics. I do most of my documenting there.

Ok back to the grind of writing funding bids. preparing for workshops and International Women’s Day. Take it easy all.

Oh, don’t forget I have pottery workshops you can book yourself on. Here is the booking form

These two loved the taster session they did in February. They did a great job.

Being visible

I may seem quiet on the social media front but in real life I am fully occupied. If I am not working on a project or projects (it is nearly always more than one) I am looking for the next project. In fact my continuous project is that of always looking for the next project. Living the all too familiar feast or famine life I find myself in.

Aside from the community arts work I am doing – The Ginnel Project Leeds, there has been some interesting collaborations, a reunion with the Pottery Throw Down crew, series one, and a magical gift from one of my most favourite international artists. Read on….

RJC DAnce Leeds

In January 2022 RJC Dance as part of their Black Cultural Exchange Project visited my studio and talked to me about my practice, its beginnings and how ceramics and business features in my life. There are several other creatives featured too. Check them out. The emphasis is on showing young people, especially those from African heritage how they can fulfill their dreams if they work towards that goal.

See the You Tube video here. Its 36 minutes long and an interesting watch!

Ceramic Arts London 2022

It was good to get down to Ceramic Arts London this year. First time since 2019. Some wonderful works on show from some pretty awesome makers (see slideshow below for a small selection, Dylan Bowen, Emily Stubbs, Anne Butler, Lucas Ferrier and John Higgins). Met up with some of the old Pottery Throw Down crew and friends which was fabulous and met some of the latest throw down contestants from series five.

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A gift from Chicago

I am just coming down from the high of being totally thrilled by the gift I received from the massively talented, entrepreneural, internationally recognised and socially conscious mixed media artist, urban designer and place-maker, Theaster Gates.

Theaster Gates

A wood fired yunomi from Theaster Gates to me. One of my most treasured possessions. See IG for a full video.

Workshop updates

SAZi Studio workshops are up and running. New prices apply.

Workshop	Costs
The 3 hour taster	£70 per person
The one-day workshop	£150 per person
The two-day Workshop	£190 per person
Workshops tailored to needs and requirements	Varied with costs starting from £80 per person

New prices from April 2022

If you would like to book please fill out the booking form here.

Future collaboration

In conversation with Joshua Van Leader, artist currently working in Leeds. Keep a look out for future updates.

Finally

Follow me on Instagram, I sometimes give out freebies! Link should be on this page somewhere.

Latest winners of future smoke fired clay balls are @lindygarnerceramics @sarahdefeu1 and @sharonpurdyceramics they were the first 3 to comment and make suggestions for what to do with my clay balls.

Clay balls – a smoke fire in the garden is scheduled

Well that was longer than I had planned. Making myself visible. Take it easy all, look forward to hearing from you.

Spring is coming

Hello readers, thank you for clicking onto my blog.

Just an update about my goings on at SAZi Studio and life in general.

Barkston Ceramic Makers – Sales

Studio holders at Barkston House have formed Barkston Ceramic Makers a group of experienced ceramic artists. We had a very successful sales and mini workshops in November 2021.

We are planing another sales in late spring early summer so look out for that one.

SAZi Studio Workshops

It has been a busy period of workshops in the last 4 months, especially with The Great Pottery Throw Down showing on Channel 4. It is great that people are inspired by the show and want to have a go.

Get in touch to book a workshop with SAZi Studio or click on the links:

SAZi Studio – Workshop booking form

Taster workshop session on Big Cartel

A selection of happy workshop participants at SAZi Studio with their works. I offer tasters, one day and two day workshops and will tailor workshop to suit your requirements.

Offers

From April 11th 2022 the cost of SAZi Workshops will be increased by 10 -15%. I try to keep costs low and affordable for everyone but lately it has been difficult to meet rising costs of materials, and energy bills.

Bookings made in March and before April 11th will be at the current price for workshop dates after 11th April 2022. So book now while you can. Get in touch for more details.

Catch me on Instagram and Facebook for more chat and image sharing.

Thanks

Sandra @ SAZi Studio

How many hats can one wear?

This blog post is me trying to stick to the quarterly entry that I promised myself in the last post, yeah it is a bit late but I still congratulate myself for fitting it in to my tight schedule (just before I get ready to go to Ilkey Literature Festival ). The other thing that has prompted me to write is the fact that I am one of 20+ artist in Leeds chosen to work in Chapeltown with the aim of co-creating and showcasing community culture in that part of the world. Check the Leeds 2023 My World My City My Neighbourhood project. Keep an eye out for updates and progress. If you want to take part and be involved please get in touch.

Leeds 2023

If you know me or have known me, you will gather that I love hats and head wear, but actually how many hats can you wear and still look good and be effective in your daily life? Of course this is a metaphor for the work load that I am juggling to ensure that I can pay the bills, develop my art practice, nurture new knowledge and stay current in a rapidly changing technical environment. By the way my latest hats are all from Kempadoo-Miller Headwear. Quality, design and good ethics at it’s best.

Baker boy cap – Kempadoo-Miller

So why am I bringing up hats? The often talked about ‘imposter syndrome’ that many of us may have felt at some point in our profession has not escaped me. Until recently I had the feeling that I am faking it. On deep and long reflection I am now at a place where I can confidently say “Sandra you are good at what you do.” How guilty are you of under playing your skills and experiences or comparing yourself to others? I know I have been. Heard this today ‘comparison is the thief of joy’ so true.

However, I have achieved so many things that I am proud of. This year I graduated from an MSc in Real Estate Management (it was really hard and involved proper math all during lockdown!) and I am currently working freelance (part time) as an associate consultant looking at creative spaces. Loving that. Another very diverse project I am doing is an art commission, which is almost done, for Jamaica House in Leeds. Enjoying that too. Add that to the Leeds 2023 and my SAZi Studio business you can see my hands are full. It maybe a challenge and very time consuming but it adds strings to my bow and credibility to my skill base, pushes my work ethic and time management practice. Thank you to all those that have been part of this journey to date.

Keep doing what you are doing until you get to where you need to be. Ignore the naysayers even if they are family.

Studio Sale

Remember those? Well, I have asked other studio holders to join me in November for a selling event at Barkston House ceramic studios. Even though on line selling is the growing trend, in fact it is expected, I still like to sell face to face. Don’t worry COVID guidelines remain a priority.

So, the Barkston Ceramic Makers have a selling event on the 26th , 27th and 28th November.

Join us, mark the date in your diaries, we would love to see you. We have sculptures, table ware, vessels and decorative items. All handmade by experienced makers.

Online Shop

The online shop has not been stocked much since earlier in the year. Sorry about that but I have been making so there will be new items added as soon as I glaze them, grind them, photograph them, upload the images and write the descriptions. Phew!

Work in progress at SAZi Studio – bud vases

If you are thinking that you might want something making by SAZi Studio as a gift to yourself or others, now is the time to ask me. Just get in touch.

OK, I am done for now. Off to sort out my online shop and get it ready for the new stock.

Catch me on Instagram and Facebook for regular news and views.