Deborah McCarthy Ceramics, owned by Deborah herself, is located in Windhoek. She specialises in handcrafted ceramics.
How long have you been in business and how did you get started?
I took a few pottery classes back in the early 90's, however due to work commitments and a new baby I couldn't continue. I really enjoyed the process and the relaxation of the craft so as soon as life allowed me, I once again found myself a class to join and started again from the begining, first making pinch pots, then coil pots and slab work until I progressed again onto the wheel.
I then found once I had the 'know-how' attending weekly classes wasn't enough and I converted a work room at home, purchased a secondhand wheel and kiln and potted away at my own leisure.
I soon outgrew my little make-shift studio, so we moved to larger premises where I now have a much larger set-up and able to comfortably produce more work.
What started as a weekly class, after 2 years became a small business making bespoke items for clients, to now providing homeware/gift shops and restaurants with my ceramics.
I then found once I had the 'know-how' attending weekly classes wasn't enough and I converted a work room at home, purchased a secondhand wheel and kiln and potted away at my own leisure.
I soon outgrew my little make-shift studio, so we moved to larger premises where I now have a much larger set-up and able to comfortably produce more work.
What started as a weekly class, after 2 years became a small business making bespoke items for clients, to now providing homeware/gift shops and restaurants with my ceramics.
What inspired you to start it?
The need to be creative and being able to express my art is an important part of who I am, luckily it just grew from that!
What would you say was your biggest challenge to overcome?
Glazing at the moment! When it comes to glaze and firing your ware in the kiln it becomes a science! So I am still learning everyday!
What is your favourite part of your business?
Being able to create and express myself through the clay.
What change are you looking forward to most this year?
Well the new studio is now up and running, I am busy everyday with orders, I have just won 1st prize for handwork at the NAGN PAN 2017 Biennale (I had previously won the new signature award in 2015) so if anything else comes my way it will be an awesome surprise!
Where do you go to find inspiration for your business?
Inspiration surrounds us... We just need to open our eyes and our ears and our hearts and let it flow!
Do you have a hidden talent?
I have a degree in fashion design and graphics and I also paint when I find the time.
How do you get a connection between you and your clients?
Mainly through word of mouth and Facebook, however now find I need a website so hopefully will have one set up shortly... However I have had items that have been shipped to Thailand, UK, Australia and South Africa. Also to know that the president Hage Geingob has eaten off my plates - Facebook so far has served me well!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Retired, sitting on a quiet beach with my husband!
What other profession would you love to try?
I have worked as both an art director, travelling the world direction fashion shoots and a fashion designer, so it would have to still be in a creative field but it would be a toss up between photographer and pastry chef!
Anything else about your awesome business you would like to share?
Ceramics is an incredible craft, from the moment you take a lump of earth and turn it into something functional, knowing that it was your hands that created it - you worked through a process from wedging the clay (so the air escapes, otherwise it will explode in the kiln) to forming it into the shape you require, either by handwork or wheelwork, the item has then dried, gone into the kiln for its first firing (Bisque) which takes around 3 days, you have then decorated or glazed the item, to be returned to the kiln for its glaze fire for around another 3 days! It is a process, each artist makes each individual item by hand, leaving a part of them within each vessel - they are hand crafted with love and emotion - you don't just purchase an item from a potter, you also purchase a little piece of them! Sometimes I put so much love, emotion and energy in a piece that I find it hard to part with it!
You can find Deborah McCarthy Ceramics on:
