For the next 11 days I am going to try and take part in the project started by @chrischaneyceramics #claygraditude. I will be sharing work and images of the people and places that have inspired, pushed, educated and supported me to help me get to where I am today. I am going to try and tell this story chronologically so I start with Mark Williams and Blue Star Pottery. I grew up with Mark’s work in my parents home. It was ever present even before I knew that making pottery would be part of my life. His studio was down the street from my families home in Michigan and I have known him since I was a kid. When I started to become serious about making pots he gave me the opportunity to work for him. I did not make great work but he would fire my pots with his and let me come and work for him in his studio. Over the years as I continued to return to his studio I have learned much more about making pots and running a small pottery business from him. I have also accumulated a large collection of his work and I use his pots every day. I would not be where I am today if he had not been so kind to give me a chance all those years ago. Thanks Mark. #claygraditude (at South Haven, Michigan)