Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Morrow
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Over the years, I’ve given a lot of thought to where stories start. Although our lives start at birth, I don’t think, it is until we start telling ourselves stories about what has happened in our lives that we start to build a picture of who we are in our minds-eye. We then learn to reflect that picture of who we see through the stories we tell ourselves and those around us.
As children, we say things like . . . “I’m going to be a heart surgeon.” or “I’m going to be a novelist.” This is us trying on these stories to see what is going to fit and, often, the reaction to the stories drives new stories. Some of us are lucky to have parent’s that support the stories and encourage us to reach for our dreams.
I was lucky. I had parents that gave me a lot of opportunities to try different stories on for size. I have early memories of classes: ballet (not my calling), baton twirling (hand-eye coordination issues), painting, hand-building ceramics (we will come back to these two), cooking (good thing there are microwaves) and so many others.
All of these experiences gave me the opportunity to learn what I had a talent for and what maybe I should avoid doing in the future.
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?
Every good story needs an obstacle or challenge to overcome in order for one to become the hero of your own story. I think that until I lost my first husband to cancer (when I was 32), I had a charmed life; however, I know that is not completely true.
I do know that this was the event that I changed who I am as a person and as a creator/artist. The experience taught me empathy, patience and finally the importance of being there for the ones you love. It taught me to live more in the moment and to take the time to experience and enjoy life, as there is no going back to the past.
At the time, a “Painting Your Way to Wellness” class was offered through a Cancer Support Group. As I believed my husband might be able to connect with his creative side, I signed us up for this session. Although he enjoyed being at the session, it was I who walked away with a gift. After he passed away, I reconnected with my interest in painting to help me with my grief.
When I said something about painting to my parents, they said they always thought I had a talent for it. I asked why they didn’t encourage it more when I was younger, and they said that I had other interests and so they let me continue to explore.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
After several years of painting (with oils), a friend suggested that we take a ceramic class together. She wanted to do hand-building class; however, I had already done this class as a child. So, I countered that I would take a class with her, if we could learn how to throw on the potter’s wheel.
My friend and I took two pottery classes on the potter’s wheel, and I was hooked. It has been more than 18 years that I have been working with clay.
During the pandemic, a ceramic photo transfer technique led me to taking photography classes. These classes reignited my passion for photography.
I am still doing both the ceramics (mostly miniature pots thrown on a miniature wheel) and taking big trips with other photographers to refine my photography.
This year I captured the Northern Lights in Canada, and then again in Death Valley in early May (unexpected bonus). I went to Italy to see the infamous Palio Horse Race in Siena and was delighted when we found fields of sunflowers. Next year I am planning to go to Kenya, Africa to photography animals in the wild.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
My Dad always said: “Shoot for the moon. If you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” No, my dad was not Norman Vincent Peale, who this quote is attributed to.
Living life is about taking risks and trying new things.
I believe that when you say “no,” you are communicating to the universe that you do not want what is being offered. When opportunities knock, my answer is: “let me book my ticket”.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.heathercmorrowphotography.com and www.potterydaily.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascapturedbyheather/ and https://www.instagram.com/potterydaily/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PotteryDaily/ and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090656709800
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@potterydaily
- Other: My book – https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Hero-Your-Story-Positively-ebook/dp/B01GBZ4KZS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=L0WE49AH6WDC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zSD6ksERzCg3ysYYE1SXCQ.SJgeKtoYg6XhbHM-VopiJ6193BFoSRcWgsHZ3Cw6QqI&dib_tag=se&keywords=becoming+the+hero+of+your+story%3A+rewrite+your+past+to+positively+impact+your+future&qid=1733372788&s=books&sprefix=becoming+the+hero+of+your+story+rewrite+your+past+to+positively+impact+your+future%2Cstripbooks%2C156&sr=1-1
Image Credits
Photo of me – Gilbert Yu
All other photos – Heather C. Morrow
