Journal

  • Pass Me My Towel, Robot: An optimistic guide to automation.

    by Laurie Steer
    Hi Laurie, What are you going to do when robots take your job? Caroline Dear Caroline, The robots have already taken my job but it's ok because I ...

  • Tea Time: Confessions of a reluctant revolutionary.

    by Laurie Steer
    Hi Laurie, Is hand making pottery an act of radical anti-capitalist rebellion, or is it just another luxury hobby for rich people who can’t do yoga...

  • The Most Interesting Thing in the Cupboard: In Defence of Ambitious Pottery

    by Laurie Steer
    Hi Laurie, I bought one of your pieces and it’s virtually impossible to drink out of without poking myself in the eye or spilling fluid down my shi...

  • The Death of my Master: in the autumn of borrowed knowledge.

    by Laurie Steer
    Hello Laurie, Who taught you the most about pottery? Cheers, Sam   Dear Sam, I have been incredibly fortunate to have had some exceptional teachers...

  • Nobody Goes to a Party for a Hangover: an argument for reckless creativity

    by Laurie Steer
    Yo Laurie, How do you decide what is worth making? Nga Mihi, Rangimarie Yo Rangimarie, I think that everything is worth making. I think that you s...

  • Give Me Trouble: in search of the new

    by Laurie Steer
    Laurie, Have you ever accidentally made something good while trying to make something terrible? Monica   Dear Monica, Accidents are for amateurs. I...

  • Perfection Is Death: The Fizz in the Dribble

    by Laurie Steer
    Dear Laurie, Should a teapot pour perfectly, or is a small amount of dribbling part of the romance? Warm regards, Elaine    Dear Elaine, Perfection...

  • The White Bucket: Why compromise isn't the same as selling out

    by Laurie Steer
    Hi Laurie, Is it possible to make honest art while also wanting to sell it? From Peter   Dear Peter, I’d like to say, try and make the things you w...

  • Thank You for Fucking Off: An informal guide to handling criticism

    by Laurie Steer
    Dear Laurie, How do you deal with criticism? Asking for a friend, Robin   Dear Robin, I suspect that you are referring predominantly to negative cr...

  • On Arts and Crafts: Is art just craft on a bender?

    by Laurie Steer
    Hi Laurie, In your opinion, is there a line between fine arts and craft? How do you categorize or situate your own work within the art world/market...

  • Imposter Syndrome: why authenticity matters more than applause.

    by Laurie Steer
    Mr Laurie,  How best to deal with imposter syndrome? Peace out, Kristen    Dear Kristen, I don't ever worry about imposter syndrome because I know ...

  • The Referee is fire - on rules, failure and learning the hard way.

    by Laurie Steer
    Hi Laurie, Do you ever find working with a single material (earth, dirt, mud, clay) restrictive or is it a way to avoid the terrible infinity of bl...