Local young artist opens business today

Whenever I go the Smokies, I love to browse the pottery stores. Notice I said “browse.” Most pieces, however, beautiful, are pricey. Very pricey. Worth it, no doubt, but I can envision me (I’m a klutz) breaking an expensive piece or even one of my sweet grand-dogs (and maybe future grandchildren) breaking one.

So when I heard that a local young artist was opening her own studio, I was intrigued. A pottery store in our small town? That is like telling me a huge bookstore is opening downtown. (Anyone want to do that?) Great ideas, both of them.

Teddy Kay Studio has its grand opening at noon today, and I was allowed a sneak peek yesterday. I was impressed. Actually, I was beyond impressed. Beautiful pieces, reasonable prices. I’m already thinking of the Christmas and wedding presents I can buy there.

Interested? Read my interview with Teddy Kay.

Tell us about your studio.

Teddy Kay Studio is located at 503 Jackson St., Martin, Tennessee. Longtime Martin residents will remember the building as Thompson’s Grocery, across from Harmon Field. I have handmade, useful pottery, and I will be open on Thursdays and Fridays 12:00 – 5:00 and Saturdays 9:00 – 12:00 or by appointment. 

What led you to the idea of starting this business?

I started college playing basketball at High Point University in North Carolina, and there I decided to major in art with a focus in painting. Then I transferred to UTM to play basketball. At UTM, I started taking ceramic classes. I fell in love with ceramics studying under David McBeth. He encouraged me to continue my studies, and I decided to go an extra year of college for a deeper study under McBeth. I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do. I knew, being so young, starting a business was going to be challenging, but my dad, Jack Vincent, said I could do it if I worked hard enough. He himself helps run the family farm.

Obviously you are interested in art. When did this begin?

I always loved art, even as a small child. My grandmother was an artist and a very talented painter. I always did crafts and painted with her at her house. My mom also encouraged me to be creative and to think differently. I am dyslexic, so school was very frustrating and hard for me. Basketball and art were my outlets. Other than my studies at UTM, I had no special training. I just worked very hard and practiced a lot. I spent many hours working and trying to get better. 

Are there any artists who have influenced you?

So many artist have influenced me. I see art and think how I can make my own in my own way. I look at potters who have been around for a really long time like Warren MacKenzie and Jack Troy. They have  very interesting styles. I also look up to David McBeth. He is an amazing and very humble potter. 

How do you view the studio five years from now? The same? Different?

No small business can make it if they don’t evolve. I plan on purchasing a Raku kiln. Raku is a Japanese form of pottery. It fires for about thirty to forty-five minutes. Then you take it straight out of the kiln and place the piece in a box full of wood chips to smoke it. 

Do you have a website?

I will after the first of the new year.

Any thoughts about how art impacts our lives?

I think pottery is very underestimated as an art form. Pottery takes a lot of time and patience. A piece is handled with care several times before it is actually finished. And there are many steps through the process. Everyone uses pottery such as plates, cups, bowls, etc. A family can gather around a table and learn from different generations while enjoying a meal.

Just for fun, share your favorites:

Artist: Warren MacKenzie 

Food: Pancakes and coffee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Restaurant: Any type of Chinese 

Movie: Movies are my favorite thing in the world. Hands down. I go to the movies once a week. I truly love so many movies. No way could I ever choose one as my favorite.

Music (genre): Every type of music since I listen to it all day. Epic music listener. 

Singer or group: Etta James 

Book: Too hard to choose from 

Vacation spot: The BEACH

What is your contact information?

Email: teddykaystudio@gmail.com, Facebook, or instagram: @teddykaystudio

Anything you’d like to add?

I have a room called The Gathering. Anyone can book small parties for all ages. I also offer paint parties, design your own plates, bowls, etc., and craft parties. I provide all the supplies as well as instructions and directions.

Many thanks to Teddy for allowing me a sneak peek and doing the interview. She has an impressive array of items, but don’t take my word for it. Stop by and check it out for yourself.