Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebeccah Polk.
Hi Rebeccah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was a small babe, I’ve been drawn to the art world, as a matter of fact my grandma and father were both artists, so I guess you could say it is literally in my blood! I went to Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with the intent to be a professional artist. I’ve never seen myself as anything else honestly. After graduating with my BFA in Ceramics and Painting, I moved to ATX to be closer with family, also knowing Austin is a creative hub for all kinds of artists. If only I could have told myself back then where I’d end up today, I probably would have taken things a bit more serious 😉
I began working at Feats of Clay Pottery in 2012 shortly after finishing college. Feats of Clay is a locally owned women ran business that offers private lessons, group lessons, studio memberships, workshops and public firing. Working as a professional artist has always been a struggle, I’ve always worked a 2nd or 3rd job in the service industry. Working jobs as a waitress for most of my life had its benefits, especially when I would talk with customers about teaching, making art, etc. I ended up gaining clients, students and art collectors just by sharing my love and interest in the arts. I learned how to be patient, friendly and multitask like a badass!
While working at Feats, I also extended my knowledge at other pottery-related jobs; assistant to workshops, production pottery, kiln loading, etc. I’ve made so many amazing friends within the ceramics community, a community that would literally do anything for anyone. Anyway, Feats turned into a beautiful, safe, creative and encouraging home for me. Here I was able to make/create whatever ideas came to mind, there were no limits or orders to make. Just the whim of my own creativity and guidance from other seasoned potters.
The previous owner Judith Conroy opened Feats of Clay in 1976! Before you ask, YES their pottery looked very 70’s and retro. They were a group of young artists, just as we are now, inspired by creating and clay. Judy and I became pretty darn close, practically family! We spent many years creating side by side, pot by pot. About two years ago, we started discussing her retirement and plans for the shop, which then opened the door to the possibility of me becoming the owner. I always thought, ME? How could she ever trust someone as young and irresponsible?! The truth is, I’ve always had the courage and strength to pull it off. I just needed to remind myself of the power of art and creativity, the countless hours I spent in the Feats studio, the years and the growth I had done.
Then the pandemic hit last March and everything was turned upside down. Judy and I were on a path that would allow me to slowly take over and learn as I go BUT we had to act fast. I was presented with the fate of Feats shutting down forever OR I take over the business right then. This was a choice I struggled with most. Once the pandemic hit, I lost all investors, I wasn’t able to secure SBA funding and things seemed dim. Luckily we both have a great friend named Tina Lewis who helped Judy and I navigate the new terms of the purchase. Just like that, we came to an agreement and I became the new owner on April 11, 2020.
This pandemic is hard yall, we have gone through every emotion in the spectrum, but we are a group of strong-willed, creative individuals. Everyone working at Feats I’ve met through the clay community and we have all been friends for years, so it often doesn’t feel like work. The crew consists of Ashley Dodd, Lindsey Browning, Bella Legosi, Morghan Gray, Marc Jeannin and Meridith Coen. All are super talented ceramic artists who are helping shape and form the studio during its earliest (to me) years. I couldn’t ask for a better team. Mostly we have fun, teach lessons, make our own work and dick around. Being weird and creative are highly encouraged.
I’ve got to say I feel pretty lucky like I’ve won the lottery. I’ve since quit my service industry job and now work full time in the studio, I can’t complain at all. We all hope to keep Feats of Clay alive another 20 years!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The pandemic has made everyone’s life more challenging, as I mentioned before I had lost investors and was never able to secure SBA funding.
Flash forward to present times, as expected I struggle a lot with the heaps of responsibility being a business owner has. There is always something that needs to be done, fixed or paid. Balancing the schedule wasn’t easy at first, but I’ve got good people helping me along the way 🙂
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve always dabbled with different art mediums but nothing really intrigued me as much as clay. My work jumps between wheel-thrown pottery and figurative sculptural work. I believe I am more recognized in the ceramics community as a figurative sculptural artist. Mostly I sculpt busts and figures that suggest there is a story and meaning behind the piece. Anatomy has always been my strong suit, I’ve spent many years studying the figure.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
When my sister and I were in grad school, my mother and stepfather would pick us up from school early and take us to the beach outside of Galveston. We LOVED swimming, playing and the thrill of leaving school. My sister has since passed away but I’ll never forget the nights we played in the warm sand and salty water.
Contact Info:
- Email: Featsofclayatx@gmail.com
- Website: featsofclaypottery.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/rebeccahlauraleepolk
Image Credits
Professional Tea Party Photo credit goes to Karina Ordell (2 photos)
