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

Hi Rachel, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
For me personally, I’m big on the path of least resistance. By ‘resistance’, I don’t mean the inevitable challenges that every path of life presents, but more so the more nuanced energetic signs that signal to me that I might be forcing things. It’s very important for me to feel like I am creating from an authentic place and in my integrity— and when I do it flows. Sometimes when I do things because others expected them of me, or I am trying to please my ego, it can feel like I’m pushing a boulder up hill. Learning to differentiate between the two have been instrumental in knowing how to decide whether to keep pursuing of something or to pivot into a direction of more alignment. I think having clear intentions and a strong ‘why’ is also very helpful to return to when the waves inevitably crash upon us. If you can double down on your vision and conviction when things get tough, it acts as an anchor to weather any storm. But I’m also a big fan of viewing life all as research, and like to give myself the grace to make mistakes and change course when that feels right, I don’t view it as giving up, I view it as staying malleable and open. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

For the past 8 years I have run a ceramics studio with the purpose of making intentionally designed and innovative objects to uplift our everyday lives. From pieces like ‘The Massager’, a handheld tool to encourage self-care and undoing the knots accumulated from the day, to the ‘Phone Home’, a vessel intended to encourage healthy tech boundaries and a better sleep— I’ve enjoyed pushing the boundaries on how ceramics are traditionally utilized.

Learning how to scale authentically when dealing with the intersection of business and art has been one of the biggest challenges in my career. Making my work more available meant also making certain sacrifices on my own creativity and freedom. It’s been a true test of my vision to decide what path my art takes instead of just following the societally encouraged path of gwoing bigger and bigger.

In the past year I’ve shifted out of producing from a singular studio to designing and cultivating more experiences and offerings all over the world. My recent venture, The Sanctuary, is an online membership community designed to keep artists inspired, supported, and connected. It was a big leap to pivot, but the pay off has been so gratifying.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Since their inception I’ve had a full blown addiction to Courage Bagels. I go crazy for the Alaskan roe bagel, so that would be a must. I love sitting at Figaro Bistrot to sip a cappuccino and write lists and people watch after visiting the surrounding vintage stores. Spending the day at Olympic Spa is also a strong recommendation for deep self-care. I’d also love to get in a hike just before dusk, my favourite being Temescal Canyon. And if I’m out on the west side I love making a day of going to the Getty Villa. More go-tos include Cookbook in Echo Park, Peter Shire’s studio, and the Hammer Museum (and gift shop).

Last but not least, one of my quintessential ‘soul resets’ I’ve been doing since youth is driving through the canyons with the windows down and the music up high. It’s such a sacred and exhilarating activity I love to do solo or with my best friends. I’d stop in at the Inn of the Seventh Ray for lunch to sit among the trees, and the head back into the city as the sun turns everything gold.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my online community, who over the years have grown into IRL community as well as true friends. From the early days of those who reposted my work, to coming to my classes and joining me in my new ventures and creative explorations, I am endlessly grateful for the loyal community and clients I’ve been fortunate to be so encouraged by.

Website: Www.rachelsaundersceramics.com

Instagram: Rachelsaundersceramics

Other: @thesanctuarybyrachel Www.thesanctuarybyrachel.com

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