Featured Maker: Julie Filion

March: MEET THE MAKER

---

Hello makers,

Today I’m happy to share another local potter (because I’m a huge fan of pottery!), Julie Filion from Curios. Julie is reasonably new to the world of clay but has been producing a huge array of stunning pieces so far. Her inspiration comes from rugged natural landscapes and she is clearly influenced by marine and coastal environments. Some of her pieces look like they have been in a rock pool gathering barnacles and some look like they are underwater plants swaying with the currents.

So gorgeous.

Here is Julie’s story.

What is your business/artist name?

"Curios" it means "A rare, unusual or intriguing object". I make small batch ceramics, and try to make different, unique, items each time.

How long have you been working as a maker or artist professionally or as an entrepreneur?

I started getting serious about pottery about 4 years ago, and started selling at markets later that year.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

In the morning I make a big pot of tea and walk into my backyard studio. I check out my previous days work for cracks or touchups, and finishing the items I've started the day before. Then I tidy up, and start all over. Sometimes I take a break and spend some time in the garden if its a nice day, and usually stay into the studio until the wee hours of the morning.

That pottery and that wall hanging, amazing!!!

Do you find time to experiment with your creativity now that it's also your part-time job?

I am always experimenting. I don't think I will ever start mass producing anything, it's not may style, its not my passion. Learning and growing and experimenting is where I thrive.

I'm often curious when I see makers share all the different ways they make their art or business work financially. Can you share if you have various income streams?

I haven't made the plunge into full-time ceramicist yet. I still work 3 days a week as a restaurant manager, but as I get busier and busier, I keep reducing my hours to focus on pottery.
With pottery I sell whole-sale to stores around the South Island of New Zealand, sell at markets, sell online, and hold "Make Your Own" workshops.

What are the most common challenges you face being a maker or artist?

I find social media very draining, however know what an amazing tool it is to reach customers. I often feel drained by trying to keep up, and think of things to post. Also recording a video of making a product, means it take 2x as much time to make that product.

How do you combat the loneliness that often comes with working as a solopreneur?

I don't struggle at all. I am naturally an introvert, so the more time I get to myself the happier I am. I struggle more with markets and meeting customers in person and having to try to be outgoing. I tend to struggle between introverted and quiet and oversharing and word-vomit.

How do you approach future planning in your creative work or business?

I try to make myself little goals and big goals each year. Goals that I can accomplish easily and others that are harder to achieve and make me reach for more.

Do you find it hard to switch off from from your work?

I find when you work for someone else, it's easier to make clear-cut boundaries. When you work for yourself; from a home studio, it can be hard to switch off, especially when it is your passion as well as your work.

Tools of the pottery trade.

See, an underwater plant! Love it!

Thanks for sharing a little insight into your world as a maker Julie! You can find her work and sign up for classes on Instagram @curios.nz.

---

And that is the last of our maker interviews this month! Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy days to be a part of these interviews and thank you to everyone who read, liked or commented on these posts. Your support makes all our lives better :)

Happy making,

Esta

Just a quick note to say that I don’t receive any payment for affiliate links or from the makers and artists I feature—this is purely a labor of love.

If you enjoy these stories and find inspiration in them, consider becoming a paid subscriber. It’s an easy way to support this work, and it’s super affordable (plus, you can cancel anytime!). Every subscription helps keep these creative conversations going. ❤️

---

Seek to Make is an exploration of creativity and making. Each month, I share a monthly theme around making, showcase inspiring makers, share tips, tools and encouragement. Together let's get curious and immerse ourselves in the art of making!

---