Daily Inspiration: Meet Beth Bowman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Bowman.

Hi Beth, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
From the moment I first took a ceramics class in high school, I was hooked. But it still took me a 15 or so years before I launched Bowman Ceramics. During college and years later, I kept returning to the ceramics classroom any chance I could. There is something about working with clay that really connects with me. It’s a wonderful way to make and create, yet in the end these pieces serve a function. I took my first commission back when I was working as a floral event designer. My first calling was to flowers, and second it was clay. Reshaping something so natural into a new form has been the calling in my hands and my heart. The first large ceramics order I took was to make a set of mugs for a coffee shop. During that process of throwing the clay again and again, I realized how much I loved being a production potter. I spent the next few years working both with flowers and taking as many ceramics projects as I could to refine my skills and develop a following. At the end of 2021, I was able to leave the world of flowers completely and solely rely on Bowman Ceramics as employment. Over the past nine months, I’ve been able to make more work than ever before and it’s not slowing down yet! Additionally, I teach private ceramics sessions both at my house and for group workshops

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The longest part of the road were the first few years in between launching Bowman Ceramics and keeping my career as a floral designer. Juggling two creative fields at the same time was quite a challenge, but one I’m so grateful to have gone through. The physical strain and the workload require relentless attention. The hustle is nonstop, but I am so glad to be where I am because of it all.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I make functional art. Handmade ceramics for everyday use. When you use a Bowman mug for your favorite cup of coffee or serve a meal on one of my handmade plates, it helps you to pause and enjoy. To sit a little longer at the dinner table to rest.

I think I am most proud of the steps I took to get here. Finding my shapes, silhouettes, and profiles that feel right to me. I try to make pieces that can be enjoyed from a variety of aesthetics.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I am obsessed with Las Culturistas podcast, and I just began listening to the Makers Playbook. I want to laugh and learn while I’m making. To not take myself too seriously and to connect with my passion.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Bowman_ceramics