Meet the Woman Behind Birmingham’s Susan Gordon Pottery
Susan Gordon, the founder of the beloved Birmingham pottery shop, Susan Gordon Pottery, is a potent mixture of artistic vision and entrepreneurial know-how. Although her degree from Auburn was in fine arts and ceramics, Susan didn’t touch clay until her sophomore year in college. A chance encounter with a wheel-throwing class sparked a deep passion that led to the birth of Susan Gordon Pottery in 2013. As a tribute to her self-confessed love for the tactile quality of clay and its innate ability to shape-shift, Susan’s pottery shop transcends the conventional to deliver a spectrum of timeless classics and ever-evolving pieces.
From a Curiosity to a Career
Her career’s turning point arrived when Gordon tried a pottery class during college, a decision that changed her life’s trajectory. The feel of the clay under her hands, coupled with the creative freedom it offered was, in her words, “love at first touch.” This marked the beginning of her journey, one that saw her switch majors from graphic design to ceramics to sharpen her newly found passion. Despite her parents’ concern about her career decision, she opened her workshop in Birmingham in 2013.
Signature Style: Wavy Bowls
The elegantly whimsical wavy bowls are one of the highlights of Gordon’s collection. These were initially introduced as teaching aids for beginner classes but have since evolved from their earthy appeal to a refined aesthetic. With a range of sizes available, the handcrafted bowls are as practical in the kitchen as they are beautiful in a living room display. Gordon has always aimed to give her customers access to pieces that, while having artistic merit, can enhance everyday life.
The Journey to Expansion
Running a creative business involves myriad challenges, including maintaining the balance between management and artistic production. Despite having a team of artisans, Gordon revealed that she is still learning to manage her time effectively between creating and overseeing the business operations. But, the experience has offered numerous personal and professional growth opportunities.
Inspiration and Aspiration
For all budding artists who dream of turning their art into a successful venture, Gordon advises finding honest and ambitious friends from similar industries. According to her, these relationships have been instrumental during her career milestones. Moreover, she stresses knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses and effectively delegating tasks. Her mantra for success is simple – believe in your voice as a creator and ask yourself, “What do you want to create today?”
A Balanced Life
Apart from her thriving business, Gordon enjoys spending quality time with her family, gardening, and enjoying good food. Currently, the resilience of her friend Ann from Yearly Co., who is battling breast cancer, serves as her inspiration.
Creating Everyday Art
Gordon’s pottery transcends the traditional, incorporating meticulous glazing and often touches of 22k gold luster, making each piece a work of art. With her commitment to creating pieces that are as functional as they are beautiful, Susan Gordon continues to shape the pottery scene in Birmingham.
