I'm Nick Prouse, I grew up on an apple farm in Millgrove, Ontario, Canada and Art and
creation has always been a huge part of my life. My first introduction to clay was in
middle school, but the facilities at the school were not available to continue until high
school. Although the experiences I had were short, they were extremely enjoyable. Life
went on, and did regular adult things (worked horrible jobs, bought a house, got
married, etc). Now fast forward years later; as a result of a nervous breakdown, I
rediscovered my love of clay. Once I get started on something, I get completely
immersed in it.
So what do you think I did next?
I found the first cheap pottery wheel I could find (it was a heavy old blister of an Estrin).
I bought some clay and quit my job! I WAS going to be a potter.
Making a cylinder was my goal. Most people would think that is an easy thing to
accomplish. You would be wrong, it’s not easy to be self taught. Once I had what I
thought were the basics (I totally didn't have the basics), I searched out other potters to
inspire and guide me. This road led me to a very giving, and chatty Englishman living in
Spain and he goes by the name of Simon Leach. I stumbled across his youtube page
and what he gave there became my dogma (youtube was brand new back then). I got
better, but that led to other problems. With washing my hands so often I began to
develop eczema. This was because of the commercial soap I was using. Due to a
family circumstance, I was taught how to make natural handmade artisan soap. Like all
things I do, I go all in. I was now a potter and soap maker, and quickly running out of
space. While on a vacation in Florida 6 years ago. We were sitting beach side on
Christmas morning,eating cocoa puffs while watching dogs get walked wearing reindeer
antlers. All of a sudden I had an idea! I thought aloud, "Maybe I should have a shop,
what do you think?" We decided it was indeed a great idea and went full speed ahead!
Once home, we looked at what was available and stumbled upon our current space.
Being the complete nerd that I am and the fact I was on a Firefly binge... the person
who showed us the space was named Kaylee ( I took it as a sign, plus the space felt
right). We moved in, and on our opening day we were flooded out by a disgruntled
tenant above. This would not be the last flood in this space. We did our best to continue
to grow, but over the course of 8 total water "events" our ability to bounce back became tougher and tougher. Even through the impacts and losses we have sustained in the
space the community around us has always been strong. And now we have been given
an opportunity to grow once again with your help.
We were approached about a space that has come available on our street, just a few
doors down. The space previously held a business that has been in the community for
many years. After seeing the space empty we could imagine everything we always
wanted to build and create. These things being:
A large pottery teaching/making area.
A shared classroom space for bath & body workshops and other guest artisan
workshops. This classroom space will also be available for special events such as
birthdays, bachelorettes, etc.
Kiln access (with no stairs!)
A large retail area.
A place in the window where I can throw pottery and demonstrate with ease.*
A dedicated space for making soap and bath & body products that also has a window
into the shop so patrons can watch along as we create.
Through pottery I am reminded to be patient and gentle, but to be firm and live in the
moment. By donating you will be helping us create and improve an environment where
people can come and wind down from their busy lives, a place to create, and work with
their hands.
THE PITCH
I'm hoping to raise at least $10,000 by pre-selling Pottery Classes, soap/bath & body
workshops as well as, selling products and wares we create within the studio.
$10,000 would allow us to build the studio (paint, build racks, tables, shelving, etc) and
move, upgrade equipment (such as our kilns, and pottery wheels), build a new website
(which will allow for online sales), purchase a new sign, and cover the deposits for the
new studio. A much needed breath of fresh air.
Purchasing items, wares, and classes will be a great way to support this evolution! Not
only will you be contributing to make this studio come to life, but you will become a part
of it! You will be able to experience clay with your own hands, smell the soap and other
goodies with your nose, not to mention the benefits of simply slowing down and taking
time to get creative. The art and wares you make will be yours to keep... to display in
your home, use in your kitchen, to pamper yourself, or give as a gift for someone
special, And in the case of pottery... to one day, in thousands of years, confuse
archeologists!!!
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can get the word out there for us and make some noise, we will be forever
thankful. Think of other friends that can come and take classes with you. Tell them
about it and encourage them to join a great time!!!
Indiegogo has many easy SHARE tools. You can help us by posting on social media
and encouraging others to donate.
Thank you so much for your time and your kind support!
