Today we’d like to introduce you to Terry Ilse.
Hi Terry, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey with clay began at the University of North Dakota, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree In art with a focus on ceramics. UND’s ceramics department is a historic and prestigious one and it helped shape my technical foundation and artistic vision.
After graduating, I became an art teacher in Forest Lake, Minnesota, where I not only taught ceramics but continued to create my own work. My dual role as educator and practicing artist allowed me to grow both creatively and professionally.
When I moved to Austin, I embarked on a successful career as an Art Director and Graphic Designer in the advertising industry. Despite my work in commercial art, I maintained a deep connection to ceramics.
I eventually returned full-time to what I loved most – being creative in the world of ceramics. I built a pottery studio in my backyard and founded West Austin Pottery, where I now create a wide range of unique and expressive ceramic designs, as well as functional pottery including bowls, vases, containers, mugs, and more. My work blends texture, form, and movement, reflecting both artistic flair and practical craftsmanship.
My work has been recognized in Ceramic Monthly’s annual calendar contest and featured in local Austin publications, highlighting my impact in the regional art scene.
In addition to creating and exhibiting my work, I offer private pottery lessons in my studio. I teach individuals, couples, and small groups (up to six), providing a hands-on, personalized learning experience in a peaceful and inspiring setting.
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?
So far, my pottery business has been a relatively smooth road. The lessons part has turned out to be 90% of my business. It is kind of a “build it, and they will come” story. It seems that people love having a “pottery experience” more than a piece of actual pottery. Most of my lessons are couples who come for a date night or an anniversary. It has been great. I have meet some wonderful people.
The unexpected challenge has been selling my work online. I get my name out there through my website (westaustinpottery.com), Instagram and Facebook, but I think people need to see and feel pottery in person, before buying. Early on, I sold at a local farmers market every weekend, but soon found it to be too labor intensive for the money.
I am now going to try and sell my work at the annual Texas Clay Festival in Gruene, TX. the last weekend in October. This is a big event for potters from all over Texas and I am hoping to have success there.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Because my studio is small and I only have one wheel, I give individual private lessons to individuals, couples and groups of up to six people. Unlike teaching large classes, people who take my lessons get intense individual attention. I feel they get the equivalent of ten lessons, compared to group sessions, where each person may get 5 or 10 minutes of individual instruction.
Also, the way I teach, I want each person to feel a sense of success when making something on the wheel. I tell people that I will serve as their “bumper guard” when throwing on the wheel, especially during the centering part. Often people fail miserably when left on their own struggling to make something for the first time. After each session, each person will make two small pieces.
As far as my own work, I have developed a style of high-end pieces that are intended to be ceramic art rather than just functional pottery. These pieces are usually large, unconventional vase-like vessels, often looking like they are trying to defy gravity, twisting and reaching upward.
I also have developed a style when making more functional pottery. After making a bowl or vase, I will incise part of the outside of the piece with parallel lines, after it is leather hard.
In glazing all of my pieces, I usually spray glaze so that I can create gradations and avoid hard lines and dripping.
What matters most to you?
When teaching, I want people to learn the process and to have a sense of success. Even though some are there for a one-time experience, I am hoping that the experience is a positive one so that they will want to continue with pottery in the future. I do have regular students who come once a week or every other week. I have seen people become quit competent in their abilities. Most of all, I want everyone to have fun. People come to me for their special occasions and I definitely want to make it special for them. Nothing makes me feel better than to hear them say how much fun they had while with me in the studio.
My own work is important to me, personally. Having an art and design background, I try to create unique pieces that challenge my creativity. Being creative has always mattered.
Pricing:
- High-end art vessels: $200-$400
- Bowls, vases and canisters: $75-$175
- Mugs and cups: $35-$50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.westaustinpottery.com
- Instagram: @westaustinpottery
- Facebook: West Austin Pottery
