Meet Melodie Grace of Nolensville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melodie Grace

Hi Melodie , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was ten years old the first time I ever made a piece of pottery on the wheel and I’ve thought of myself as a potter ever since. I took classes at every opportunity in high school, college, and then in community studios as an adult. It wasn’t until I turned 30 that I really started to imagine what life could look like as a full time artist. At the time, I had a career in sales, but I was longing to spend my days making art. So at 31, I took a leap of faith to try my hand as a professional ceramic artist.

For over a decade I traveled the country to sell my raku pottery at art shows and exhibitions. I earned awards and recognition for my work, meeting some amazing people and artists along the way. I was contacted directly by the President of West Elm and asked to do a collaboration which became the first numbered, limited edition line of pottery for the brand. What an amazing experience that was!

While I was enjoying my creative growth and success, I was simultaneously leaving an unhealthy marriage. My work as an artist served as a refuge and a motivation to design a life I love. That lead me into a re-building stage when I worked full time at an ad agency and made art on the side. Soon, I was able to realize a lifelong dream of setting up a home studio where I was finally able to make my own work and teach classes and private pottery lessons.

Today, I am back to work full time as an artist and educator, thrilled to spend my days immersed in what I love. It’s so rewarding to see my students gain skill and confidence as I share my passion in a way that grows art awareness, appreciation, and creativity in my community.

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?
The tension between art and commerce is an age old challenge for any creative. My daily work is to express myself authentically through my art while also sustaining a living and growing a brand.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As an artist, I am most known for my work in raku pottery, which is an ancient Japanese pit firing technique. The raku makes up my gallery collection and also informs the stoneware and porcelain collections, more suitable for daily use. Each and every piece of my artisanal pottery is crafted with care and exquisite attention to detail.

As a teacher, I am known for small, intimate private and semi-private classes and highly personalized pottery instruction.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My main advice for anyone just starting out in a field they love, is to stay true to yourself and your vision, maintain personal integrity and self expression, and stay open and adaptable as you learn and grow. My favorite quote is this one by Howard Thurman, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

Pricing:

• Semi- Private Pottery Class $600
• Class Discount Available for Repeat Students
• 2 Hour Private Pottery Lessons $150 per person

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.melodiegrace.com
• Instagram: @melodiegrace
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelodieGracePottery