Meet Betsey Carter | Potter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Betsey Carter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Betsey, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Be kind.

These two short words are, I believe, at the heart of our interactions with each other. Simply being kind to one another would resolve so many of our issues, misunderstandings, and conflicts.

The power of these two words clicked with me many years ago when I was lucky enough to meet the owner of Kind Coffee in Estes Park, CO. Amy’s mother-in-law had given her one of my “be kind” mugs (she often sent “kind” related items to her), and she placed an order right away. Fifteen plus years later the “be kind” mugs are still a big seller at Kind Coffee.

Growing up, my siblings and I were raised to be polite and considerate of others. Like most kids we often fell short, but we knew how we should treat others, and most of the time strived to live up to these expectations.

I often incorporate words and quotations into my pottery, and the “be kind” mugs and touchstones in particular resonate with my customers. When I see how customers and clients connect with the be kind messages on my pottery I understand the link between consideration for others and the deep meaning of the words “be kind”. It’s how we should treat everyone.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am utilitarian potter working primarily in porcelain fired to cone 10 in reduction. Through my wheel-thrown ceramics, I explore and exploit the strength, fluidity, and whiteness of the porcelain, striving for clean lines and simplicity of form, suggesting a contemporary feel to a traditional art form. By creating handmade porcelain objects for the home and table, I see my work as a contemporary expression of the centuries-old tradition of making beautiful objects for everyday life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This idea is something I’ve actually done. My group of college friends gets together every year for a long weekend somewhere. We rotate who plans and organizes the mini reunion, and the year they came to Los Angeles, we headed south as far as Dana Point and then drove slowly back up the coast stopping to eat, shop, walk around, and stay the night wherever we decided. It was a long, slow leisurely trip back to LA. For our LA days we ate mostly in Echo Park restaurants. Sadly, most didn’t survive the pandemic. Some did survive and more have opened, so now we take visitors to Buccetti, Wood Silverlake, and The Brite Spot. If we go out to Santa Monica, We usually go to Back On The Beach and Malibu Farm.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Amy Hamrick amy@kindcoffee.com

Tina Carter
tinacarter@me.com

John Carter
johnstewartcarter@icloud.com

Website: betseycarter.com

Instagram: @betseycarterceramics

Image Credits
Amy Hamrick be kind mug Keith Berson turquoise orbs