Today we’d like to introduce you to Teresa Bowen.
Hi Teresa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My first pottery class took place in the basement of a local museum while I was in high school. Then, I discovered I loved working with my hands and enjoyed the instant results of throwing on the wheel. At the time, I didn’t realize that the process of getting a finished product was long! Once in college, I decided to get an art teaching degree because I needed to make a living, and art was my main interest. However, after teaching for three years, I discovered that wasn’t my calling, and I had the opportunity to become a full-time potter. In 1989, my significant other, Mark, and I moved to New Smyrna Beach. He was also a potter as well as a business partner. Together, we made a living by doing about 25 to 30 art shows a year all around the country. In 1995, we purchased a piece of property on Riverside Drive, which was close to town and zoned mixed-use. This allowed us to build a studio on the property and work close to our home. It was wonderful being close to the studio because pottery is a medium that needs constant attention during different stages of the process—particularly the drying of the pots and the firing. We worked hard to make a living, but it was a wonderful, adventurous life.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
In 1998, my life changed. Mark was in an accident, and in three days, he died in the hospital during hip replacement surgery. We were not legally married and had no will or power of attorney. Only a few people think of doing this at 43 years old. Fortunately, our property title stated “right of survivorship,” which gave me the property title. To afford to stay on the property and continue to make a living, I turned half of the house into an American craft gallery called “Clay Gallery.” I lived in the front of the house and had the gallery in the back half. Hiring some help allowed me to continue my career as a potter. Later, with help from friends, I transformed the property grounds and created a venue for weddings and events. My original plan was to have a business I could sell for retirement. Being self-employed requires creative thinking in that respect. So, I put all my extra money into my property and later realized it would make an excellent venue for a restaurant. I put the word out, and in 2016, fate brought me a buyer. “Riverpark Terrace” was started, and for three years, they leased. I continued working out of my studio in the back, which became part of the attraction, which helped out a bit. The restaurant was a success, and they decided to purchase. In the meantime, Covid hit, and all of the art shows were canceled. This event triggered my desire to retire. Selling my equipment gave me the finances to turn my studio into a guest house I am now renting to gain more income. In closing, having a vision for oneself and moving forward with it is important. If it’s the right direction, the doors will open. Believe in yourself!
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a production potter, mainly doing functional dinnerware pieces and serving bowls, trays, and platters. However, I made various decorative pieces when I had the opportunity. Mugs and cups are my favorite items to make. They are the most sensual piece of pottery that can be made because you hold it in your hands and put it in your mouth to drink from it. Like all artists, every potter has its own style, giving each piece its character and personality. I now have an extensive collection of mugs, which I enjoy using daily. I think of the potter when I use, wash, or look at them.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Orlando has live entertainment, museums, parks, camping, and water activities like airboat rides and kayaking.
Being centrally located, it is an easy drive to the beaches, many springs, and Cape Canaveral. I find the traffic on I-4 to be a challenge.
Contact Info:
- Website: clay-gallery.com
