Josiah Kopp
Photos By Kayleigh Omang
Artist Kelsey Williams creates earthy and organic ceramic pieces that are both practical and stylish. From earrings to mugs to planters, her work under the Rising Dawn Ceramics brand reveals true craftsmanship and impeccable taste.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you create:
I have lived in Fargo for seven years and I have been a high school and middle school teacher for three years. Right now, I teach all of the clay courses at Davies High School. I create pieces that are designed for functionality. Nothing I make is meant to sit on a shelf. My goal is for all of my pieces to make it out of the cupboard and used daily.
How did you get into ceramics?
I took my first ceramics course at MSUM in 2013 and just fell in love with the medium.
What is your most popular product you make?
My marbled clay pieces are my most popular products. It’s beautiful because I get to let the raw textures of the clay show off and speak for itself. I don’t like over complicate things.
What is a word that best describes you?
Purposeful.
How do you stay inspired to create?
I stay inspired because there is never a dull moment with ceramics. It doesn’t matter how long you have been doing it, there is always something new to learn and try. With technology, we have the opportunity to connect with communities all over the world. Learning and observing what other artists are experimenting with pushes me to try new things in my own work.
What has been the most challenging and most rewarding things about doing ceramics?
The surprises. Sometimes it seems like I did everything right, but I still have firings with cracked pots and ruined pieces. Paradoxically, the surprise and anticipation of opening a kiln and discovering that my work turned out better than I thought it would is very rewarding.
What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a handmade business?
I would give the same advice that my friend Sam (watercolor artist @sj_nielson) gave me. You have to treat your craft as a second job, not a hobby. Set aside time and stick to it. Make it a constant priority.
Where can people find your work?
You can find my work at Risingdawnceramics.etsy.com
How can our community help your business grow?
In order for artists to continue to create, we need the support of those around us. From purchasing pieces, to sharing the artist’s work with others, I can promise you, efforts like this are seen an appreciated by the artists in your community.
