Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Bergin.
Hi Tiffany, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My first love for art came by way of photography, I was drawn to light, shape, and lines. After having children and other career interests and activities I had moved away from creating. My friends and I decided to take a mom camp, and a pottery class at a local community education center, we fell in love with the process. I slowly began accumulating all the tools necessary to work out of my home, ripping up carpet in the basement to create my studio, and learning through all the many mistakes of any new endeavor. I tend to be fairly critical of myself and hold a high standard. Pottery teaches me to trust the process and enjoy the spirit of making, to be surprised by what comes from me and into fruition on the wheel or out of the kiln. I have learned to laugh at my mistakes and rejoice in the moments when the clay aligns and the colors arrange themselves in such unique and pleasing ways. What began as an opportunity to try something new has blossomed into a daily practice of making, connecting with the community, and my love for artistic expression. My pieces are sold at a few local shops as well as at the occasional market with my potter friends. My Etsy shop@bealignedpottery has been keeping me surprisingly busy and custom orders and commissions are a wonderful way to push myself and create special pieces for families, gifts, and events.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
To be quite honest, the hardest struggles are those inward moments. There was a time in my life that I dreamt of being a professional artist, I went to school for the craft for a time, but I was told that it would be a hard road and that perhaps I should focus on something else. I took that internally to mean that “my art wouldn’t make it” I have since been critical of what I make, that it isn’t good enough. This experience, learning to make pottery and becoming a small batch studio potter has really opened my eyes to the truth about art and human nature. If you put your heart into the pieces, into your work, and value yourself and others in the process beauty will follow.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a studio potter of small-batch ceramics. I am best known for my burners, they are mini ceramic chimineas for burning cleansing items such as palo santo wood, herbs, incense, and candles. I think what sets me apart from others is my continuous quest for a new way to approach the piece. Each item I make is truly one of a kind, I just can’t repeat the moment in time. When I center my clay I gaze out my window, allowing my hands to feel the gravity of the clay, the turning, and the point when it all aligns, the piece is ready to be formed. I am most proud that I have been able to connect with so many interesting people through this art. I am also proud that my potter friends and I started our own empty bowls online fundraiser a few years back to raise money for second harvest heartland in Minnesota. This has been a great event and I look forward to more philanthropic ways to share through art with our community.
How do you think about luck?
Ahhh, luck in timing. I do believe in manifesting by placing energy towards what your vision is. I am not sure if I would say luck per se but I have been fortunate to meet people who encourage and support my art and business. I have been lucky to learn valuable life lessons from some very amazing people in my life, both personally and professionally. I am lucky to have a family who supports my passions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.justbealigned.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justbealigned/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justbealigned/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeAlignedPottery
Image Credits
Sewell Photography
