Made with a Bailey Interview featuring Nicole Boenigk

Interview with Nicole Boenigk from Earth and Empathy Ceramics

Instagram: @earthandempathyceramics
Website: earthandempathy.com

What are some of your favorite things about working in clay?

I am a creative who gets bored doing the same things over and over again. My favorite thing about this medium is that if I get tired of making mugs, I can take a break and make jewelry. If I get tired of making jewelry, I can make some wall art. There are just so many ways to incorporate clay into my work and I love that the playing and experimenting never ends!

Which Bailey products do you use to make your work and how do they help?

I LOVE my Bailey Mini Might II 16" Slabroller. I don’t have a large workspace and it’s the perfect size for the amount of production I work with. I used to have to roll slabs by hand when I worked from home and this little guy has given me the opportunity to get perfect slabs in minutes. I use it to make my jewelry displays, and all of the wall art I create.

What’s a tool that you could not live without?

I do love to throw on the wheel but for hand building, my favorite tool I couldn’t live without is hands down my Bailey slab roller. I just wouldn’t be able to easily get those perfectly even slabs rolled by hand. When you’ve got a long to-do list, a needy child, and a life outside of clay, timing is everything! After a few minutes of rolling on my mini might and I’m ready to use my slabs, can’t beat that! 

What inspires your work?

Nature, something on tv, my son, my friends, browsing through Pinterest, life! Everything and anything!

When you’re not creating ceramics, what do you enjoy doing?

Hanging with my son, being outdoors and exploring nature, cooking and baking from scratch. I love creating and DIYing all kinds of things.

What advice would you give to someone who is just beginning their creative journey into ceramics?

Be patient. I always say that ceramics has taught me so much patience. Usually the hard way - haha. You can’t rush something without a price, whether it be cracks or warping; taking your time can usually prevent these accidents from happening. Try ALL the things. It’s so much fun to explore the different ways to play in clay and the different techniques to find out what you like the best!