From Hobby to Passion: The Profound Impact of Discovering Ceramics.

Discovering my passion for ceramics had a profound and long-lasting effect on my life. As a child, I was inspired by a talented Omani ceramic artist, and eventually found my way to ceramic classes. What started as a hobby quickly became a transformative experience, introducing me to a network of supportive and inspiring people, earning me recognition through an art award, and forming lifelong relationships.

Adopting a mindset that prioritizes personal fulfillment and artistic expression over the desire to please others can be a liberating experience. By focusing on creating something that speaks to my own passions and interests, I free myself from the limitations of external validation and open myself up to more meaningful and creative explorations.

While I still occasionally offer to sell pieces of my ceramics, I find that gifting or trading them with other artists brings me more joy and satisfaction than the pursuit of profit. It's important to me that my ceramics continue to be a source of pleasure and creative exploration, rather than a means to an end.

Transitioning from a hobby to a profession can be even more difficult. I found that the pressure of turning my ceramics into a business took away from the joy and creativity that drew me to the craft in the first place. Instead, I decided to continue making ceramics purely for my own pleasure, and this decision influenced my other artistic endeavors, such as sketching, which I now do simply for the love of it.

In the end, it's up to each individual to decide whether or not they want to monetize their talents, but it's important to remember that the pursuit of artistic expression and personal fulfillment should always come first. Discovering my passion for ceramics has shaped not only beautiful objects but also a life filled with meaning and fulfillment, and I am forever grateful for the power of art and the impact it has had on my life.