From Paper To Pottery

A story of creative collaboration 15 years in the making

Sometimes the best things in life start with a Craigslist ad. Back in 2012, I stumbled upon a listing that led me to Dobbin Mews in Greenpoint - a hidden gem of creative studios that would become my Brooklyn home from home. Picture a charming courtyard dotted with fig trees, surrounded by an incredible mix of artists and makers: Tara Donne's photography magic, Warren's graphic design studio, Jennifer crafting beautiful pieces at Odette NY, Anne and Katie creating scents at MCMC Fragrances, Talon Jewelry, Nicolette working her floral wonders, Fay Andrada's jewelry (I wear it everyday), and Julianne of Object & Totem alongside Re Jin Lee’s ceramics workspace.

When I first arrived at Dobbin Mews, I was just beginning my small business journey—full of ideas, but uncertain about the path ahead. What I discovered there was something I couldn't have imagined: a sanctuary where women lifted each other up in ways that transcended ordinary business relationships. This community embodied women supporting women, celebrating my victories as their own while offering both practical solutions and emotional support during challenges. More than just professional guidance, they instilled in me a belief in myself that had previously seemed out of reach. Their impact extends far beyond business mentorship; Dobbin Mews wasn't just where my business began, it's where I truly began to recognize my own potential.

After going our separate ways across the US, I know any of my Mewsies will still feel like family the moment we reconnect.

My corner of the studio shot by uber talented studio mate Tara Donne Photography!

Fast forward to last week, when Re Jin and I finally made good on our long-standing plan to collaborate again. RJ, who is an insanely talented ceramic artist, kindly invited me to co-host a workshop in her beautiful Pound Ridge studio, with Nicolette bringing her signature floral arrangements for inspiration and Jennifer capturing the day through her lens. Twelve wonderful women joined us for what turned into a day of creative exploration and happy surprises. It felt like we'd brought the spirit of the Mews with us, alive and well in RJ’s beautiful, creative space.

We started on paper, sketching and planning, before taking on the main challenge - painting RJ's elegant pre-handcrafted platters with underglaze. Here's the thing about underglaze, it can be a biiiit tricky. Not only can you not fully erase your marks once you’ve painted them onto the clay, but the colors you see while painting might transform into something completely different after firing(see below my before and after firings). It's both terrifying and liberating - and sometimes those constraints lead to the most beautiful outcomes.

In each case the lower image is pre firing in the kiln

Everyone embraced the challenge, creating pieces that were uniquely their own. RJ then glazed and fired the pieces and we waited to see the results…..

….And here they are below!!

Look at these absolute beauties!!

Watching each person's confidence grow as they moved from tentative sketches to bold ceramic designs was a reminder of why I love teaching. There's something so joyful about seeing someone surprise themselves with what they can create.

Dream team reunion. Thank you RJ for making it such a special day for us all!

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Looking ahead: A new day added to my Anemone class in March.

While my Saturday, March 8th painting class is now fully booked, I still have a few spots left for Sunday, March 9th at my Hudson studio. We'll be painting Anemones, and space is limited. If you'd like to join us for this intimate workshop, don't wait too long to secure your place!

Until next time friends when there will be a new painting video for paid subscribers, can’t wait to share with you!

With love,

Helen