Working alone in my studio, I listen to a LOT of podcasts. One of my favourites is the Blindboy Podcast and I listen every week. Blindboy is an artist and author with a unique take on life, history and creativity. In an episode last November (from about 9 mins in, if you fancy a listen), he discussed the nature of creativity and how fear of failure, fear of embarrassment, guilt and shame affect artists. To quote part of that: “Fear of failure and fear of cringe is often the reason why talented people don’t make art… Choose creativity and choose cringe and choose failure” and “If you do anything that involves self-expression and - most importantly - vulnerability, then you are going to be cringe.”

You probably won’t be surprised to hear I struggle with imposter syndrome and the vulnerability of creating for a living! This design came to me as a way to remind myself and others to Choose Cringe. I hope that’s not too cringe 😆

The mugs are thrown on the potters wheel from speckled stoneware clay, then trimmed, handled and fired for the first time. I then apply the text stencil and hand paint in underglaze colours. I coat this with wax resist before removing the stencil and dunking the mug into white glaze. I clean up the text before glaze firing the mugs, which brings out the speckle in the clay through the glaze. The difference in surface texture between the words and the white glaze makes them super-tactile to hold.

Every item is entirely handmade by Emma and there will be some variations in size, shape and finish. Photos are illustrative of the handmade item you will receive. Items sold individually.

Both mug shapes are approx 9.5cm tall and 350ml-ish capacity (measurements are approximate). Gentle hand-washing recommended, can be used in dishwasher and microwave. Click here for more information on care of your item.

I have some slight seconds available at a reduced price these items have small glaze flaws.

Please click here for general information on delivery.