Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Mulligan.
Hi Tara, 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?
I never thought I would be a potter. Musicals like CATS, Phantom of the Opera, and The Sound of Music were gateways into my theatre obsession. My mom noticed my love for performance early on and signed me up for singing, tap, ballet, and acting classes. From 4th grade until college, I had been in over 20 shows and continued to support theatre on the administrative side after college by moving to New York City and working for a Broadway theatre company. I had always used performing arts as a form of creative expression and never expected my artistic journey to lead to pottery.
It wasn’t until two years ago that I started working with clay after my friend Sam recommended a throwing class at a local studio. What initially started as something fun to try with my boyfriend quickly developed into a new passion and creative outlet that I hadn’t experienced since being in theatre. I fell in love, and when my classes ended, I got a membership and proceeded to spend my evenings practicing. In the time since I started, I have reached a level in which I produce pieces of value that others are have sought to purchase. With the launch of my Instagram, TikTok, and website, I have been able to make enough sales to cover my studio and supply costs, transforming what initially started as a hobby into a sustainable small business.
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?
I currently work full-time as a Talent Manager for STEAM-based content creators, making available time in the studio limited, which ultimately slows down production and the amount of pieces I have available for each stock drop.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am most known for my bubblers because the bowls are shaped to look like flowers nestled in a bouquet. I enjoy creating something that is both functional and decorative.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Pottery has stood the test of time for thousands of years, serving humanity as both a necessary skill/tool for survival as well as the artistic expression of our various cultures. Clearly, it’s timeless, and despite our advancements in technology (including the mass production of various art – like ceramics), it still proves to be ubiquitous and sought after art-form, made only more valuable by the rarity of handmade crafts in the popular market. If anything, the recent pandemic and rise of creator-based social media, like TikTok, have only increased the visibility of art like this, as well as encouraged others to try it for themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mulliganstudios.co
- Instagram: @mulligan.studios
- Other: TikTok: @mulligan.studios
