Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha McInnis.
Samantha completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in ceramics in 2011. She then started The Clay Cache and currently works in a studio in Pompano Beach Florida. Her wish, is to always raise awareness for our oceans and coastlines through her ceramic art.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing worth doing is ever “smooth” and I have to remind myself of that often. Through all the hard work, late nights and obstacles it always feels worth it at the end of the day. Something about doing what you love feels so rewarding no matter how hard of a day you have.
Some struggles I have faced have been financial obviously and spacial. With ceramics you have to have the space and set up to allow for heavy machinery which can be challenging to find. I am so lucky to be a part of the studio I am in now and have the city of Pompano to thank. I have kilns, subsidized studio rent and 24 hour access. It really is allowing me to grow my business and prepare for the future all at the same time.
Please tell us about The Clay Cache.
The Clay Cache is a small one woman run company specializing in handmade ocean inspired ceramic art. I specialize in mostly functional wares, but also love to create sculpture. I am known or my octopus style art, primarily tentacles. My octopus tentacle mugs have become the signature of The Clay Cache as of now.
I am most proud of myself in the company. I started with absolutely no knowledge of running a small business at all. The only thing I was sure of is that I could create beautiful things. Creating wholesale sheets, SKUS, a website, figuring out shipping costs, budgeting for supplies and materials, photography, managing my time, etc. where all totally new to me. I am still learning everyday a great deal, but I am proud of the business I have created and look forward to seeing how far I can go.
What sets me apart from other artists is my style. It seems like an obvious answer, but it is really true. I do use commercial glazes and clays like a lot of other artists, but no matter how similar someone else artwork seems, the artists style will always set them apart. People who know my work know it is mine without having to see the stamp on the bottom.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
How can I pick just one memory!? My parents have always made our memories so loving and always involved the environment. We never went to manmade places really. We always would go to a park, boat to an island or when we were really good rent an airplane and fly to go get ice cream. (My Dad is a pilot). My favorite memory is love. Always feeling loved and supported no matter what we were doing is the best memory.
Contact Info:
- Address: 41 NE 1st ST Pompano Beach FL 33060
- Website: www.theclaycache.com
- Phone: 7272499747
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @theclaycache
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theclaycache
- Twitter: @theclaycache
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