Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Pope.
Cindy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always loved pottery. I got started in high school and college but took time off when my children were young. In 2008, I started taking pottery classes and then teaching classes and kid’s clay camps at the Paramount Center for the Arts in St Cloud MN. Then in 2019 my oldest child, Travis, was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. For almost three months my family, his wife and I cared for him until he passed away. It was heartbreaking. In 2020 covid set in and that’s when I decided to set up a studio in my home. One day, not long after, I had some mugs I was working on and decided to just “schmoosh” some balls of clay onto the side. As I looked at it, it reminded me of my heart. Broken, pieces missing with some rough edges. My mugs then became my way of keeping his memory alive. That was the start of my healing heart mugs, dedicated to my son.
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?
Grief has its own agenda. There were days I could function, and days that passed by in a blur.. Days that were hard to get out of bed. I missed him so much. It felt unbearable. It was my family that got me through the days. We have a blended marriage with 9 kids, spouses, and 25 grandchildren. I am also blessed to still have my parents. I babysat grandchildren during the summers and they were a joy to be around. They really kept me busy with walks, hikes, and plenty of art projects.
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 functional and decorative pottery. I love making mugs with flowers, whether carving, adding sprigs, painting or decals. I am most proud of my healing heart mugs. The heart represents the love that’s still there but also the pain of what’s been. Creating the mugs helps me to navigate my grief while keeping my son’s memory close. When people buy my mugs they’re not just purchasing a piece of pottery but they’re holding on to a part of my story and connecting it with their story. It creates a sense of community and understanding with others who resonate with my story. It’s a powerful way to honor his memory while building a relationship with others who understand the depth of love and loss. My hope is that if you use the mug you will think of Travis and also your loved one. I really want to keep his memory alive.
I am also known for my trees. I started handbuilding Christmas trees, some plain and some with a gold star. I started selling them at an annual sale in December that I am a part of. The Makers Market in St Cloud Minnesota, started by a dear friend and fellow potter, Danielle Dinger. Customers told me they liked to keep the trees up year-round so I made them different colors. The customers recognize the new colors and buy to add to their collection. I also added a Cardinal to some of the trees. Someone once told me that loved ones are near if you get a visit from a Cardinal.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I enjoy collaborating with other artists. I love hearing their ideas, new or better ways to do things. Taking classes, always being “a work in progress.” There are so many talented artists in Minnesota with a wealth of knowledge to learn from. Another art community that I enjoy being a part of and taking classes from is Maine Prairie Studio in Kimball Minnesota. Maine Prairie offers classes for beginners and the experienced potters. Bringing in guest artists and providing workshops for the community. Through Maine Prairie Studio I’ve also been involved in my first wood firing which was an amazing experience. Working with a close friend of mine and fellow potter, Jodie Milroy, along with other potters, we took shifts to keep feeding the fire. The flames and ash from the wood interacts with the pottery creating unique and often unpredictable results. The ash deposits onto the pieces and forms natural glazes and patterns. It really brings an earthy and organic quality to the work.
My business is CPopePottery and my work can be purchased through Facebook, Instagram, or by contacting me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @cpopepottery
- Facebook: HTTPS://facebook.com/cindy.pope.524
