Orange Monster Hat

13 x 8.5 x 6 in

stoneware paperclay, underglazes, glazes

2024

private collection

There’s a big difference between the first time you do something

and the second time, 

or the fifth 

or the 20th

The first time you are a bundle of nerves 

You are not sure what to expect. 

You sweat a lot 

You question yourself: 

why am I doing this?

Your throat tightens 

there are butterflies in your stomach 

you can find it hard to breathe.

There is only one first time 

And it might go smoothly 

or it might be chaotic 

and stumbly. 

It might be full of embarrassing moments 

but once it’s over 

it’s over

And the next time 

is your second time 

and you build on 

what you learned from your first time. 

Before you know it 

it’s your twelfth time 

or your 20th 

you are calm and efficient. 

You know what you are doing 

you might change things up a bit 

(to keep things exciting)

you may even experiment 

and take some risks 

Because you are confident. 

You know what you are doing 

and most importantly:

Why