Studio playlist Sean’s playlist: the sound of wind and birds; Kate often listens to audiobooks.
Wishlist a custodian
Studio
Pomme de Terre Pottery is a small, rural studio located in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, nestled between a lake and a slough. We—Kate Scherfenberg and Sean Scott—share this cozy 30 × 40-foot (9.1 × 12.2-m) metal pole barn perched on a hill just a stone’s throw from our home. This proximity strikes a perfect balance—close enough for quick trips to adjust the kiln or check on drying pots, but far enough to allow some separation from work when we’re not in the studio. It’s a space that’s constantly evolving to suit our needs, whether we’re gardening, tackling home projects, or in the midst of a production cycle. At the same time, the layout can shift depending on what we’re working on. We have a U-shaped setup, with the sink at the center and a small utility closet and bathroom tucked behind it. Right now, we’re in a state of chaos due to the process of revamping the space, adding two large repurposed windows, a fresh coat of paint, and even a new yoga studio corner. The radiant floor heating is a game-changer for those long Minnesota winters. One thing we do not like about the studio is the mice that can occasionally find their way into the walls. And though the studio is large enough for all our work, there’s always the need to push a table aside or squeeze the wheel into a corner to make room for the next project. It’s part of the charm and chaos of a working studio.
The flow of the work goes from back to front, with the kilns oriented away from the general workspaces. Finished work is near the door with packing materials nearby. Infrastructure for shows, booth, shelves, etc., is stored in another building. The sink is central.
The studio has been the heart of our artistic journey for twenty years, which started with the goal of making art, hustling at craft shows, and filling in the gaps with gallery work and teaching gigs. Our approach is grounded in the belief that making honest and sincere work is the most important thing. Whether it’s slab built or thrown on the wheel, we use Endicott Brick Clay, a high-iron mid-range stoneware that complements our favorite methods of decoration—everything from slip trailing and sgraffito, to carving and burnishing. We fire to cone 5 in an electric kiln. The work we make is mainly functional, inspired by our surroundings, a reflection of us—sometimes it’s whimsical, sometimes it’s meditative, but it’s always crafted with care.
Sean’s time in the studio is consistent, putting in about 40 hours a week, and he keeps a regular schedule while maintaining some flexibility with the process. He also regularly teaches yoga classes as a side hustle. Kate, on the other hand, balances studio time with her teaching job. During the school year, she’s limited in how much time she can dedicate to pottery, but in the summer months, she tries to make up for lost time without getting too overwhelmed. This year, she’s cutting back on her school hours, which will give her more time to devote to the studio.
Paying Dues (and Bills)
When we first launched, we didn’t quite realize just how difficult it would be. The artistic side came easily enough; after all, both of us have formal education in the arts—Sean with a BFA from Ohio University and an MFA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Kate with a BFA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. But the business side? That was a whole new world. Add the challenges of raising two young kids in a new community, and throw in the backdrop of The Great Recession, and things got tough. We were fortunate to have a significant safety net—the support of family who were just next door. Their backing gave us the stability we needed to keep taking risks and pushing forward.
At the same time, a bit of serendipity stepped in. The local school received a grant for a Chinese teacher, and since Kate speaks Mandarin, she found herself stepping into an unexpected teaching role. It was a big shift and it kept us afloat. When our kids were little, while Kate taught, Sean took on the role of primary caregiver and homemaker, a decision motivated by both a desire to spend more time with our kids and the high costs of childcare. As a result, our art careers took a bit of a backseat at times, but it was always a balancing act between family and art, with the studio being a natural extension of our home life.
We sell most of our work directly to customers. Our clientele tends to be open and appreciative of art and creativity and are willing and able to support makers like us who offer one-of-a-kind products. About 70% of sales come from shows, 10% from online sales, and 20% from the studio itself. We’ve found that building relationships with our customers is key, which has earned us many repeat customers. We’ve done our fair share of social media, but both of us find it draining. We choose to pour most of our energy into making good work and continuing to show it at selective art events. Studio tours have been a particularly rewarding way to connect with people in a meaningful way. We return to Nebraska twice a year for the Omaha North Hills Pottery Tour and Lincoln Clay Tour, and we also participate in a local tour out of our studio. These have been reliable anchors for us.
Marketing
Despite our previous lack of effort with social media, we do appreciate the role it plays in keeping our work visible. We are learning to navigate that balance—continuing to push our work into new shows, exhibitions, and occasionally having teaching opportunities while keeping the energy focused on making our work. We understand that our in-person shows, website, online store, and social media posts should all work together. We are always working to improve this flow and keep the dots connected.
Mind
When it comes to downtime, we both have ways to recharge. Sean finds renewal through yoga, outdoor activities, and quality time spent with friends and family. He has no trouble with creative roadblocks; for him, it’s all about staying in the flow and letting the work happen. Kate, on the other hand, has more trouble carving out time for herself. She tends to put everyone else’s needs first, which means she’s still figuring out how to regularly find that space to recharge. Both of us agree, however, that staying healthy and making peace with ourselves in the studio is crucial. Taking care of our people is always at the heart of what we do.
Most Important Lesson
Looking ahead, we’re excited about the next chapter of our artistic journey. We feel as though we’ve built a solid foundation, and with energy, health, and enthusiasm, we’re ready to take the next step. Sean plans to work into more national shows while Kate plans to make more work and start with local shows. Keeping our website active and a presence on social media will become a priority. It’s been a winding, sometimes messy, but incredibly fulfilling road. The path hasn’t always led to financial success, but it has led us to a place where we have a comfortable home and studio, we’re doing what we love, offering our work to others, and living a rich and meaningful life.
For those thinking of doing this work, there is not only one way to do it. Figure out what works for your lifestyle, keep at it, develop some grit. Have a vision, be persistent and patient.
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Just the Facts
Clay
Endicott Brick Clay
Primary forming method
slab, coil, and throwing
Primary firing temperature
cone-5 oxidation
Favorite surface treatment
slip, carving, burnishing, and texture
Favorite tools
bulb syringe, soft ribs, needle tool, and custom-made tools
Studio playlist
Sean’s playlist: the sound of wind and birds; Kate often listens to audiobooks.
Wishlist
a custodian
Studio
Pomme de Terre Pottery is a small, rural studio located in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, nestled between a lake and a slough. We—Kate Scherfenberg and Sean Scott—share this cozy 30 × 40-foot (9.1 × 12.2-m) metal pole barn perched on a hill just a stone’s throw from our home. This proximity strikes a perfect balance—close enough for quick trips to adjust the kiln or check on drying pots, but far enough to allow some separation from work when we’re not in the studio. It’s a space that’s constantly evolving to suit our needs, whether we’re gardening, tackling home projects, or in the midst of a production cycle. At the same time, the layout can shift depending on what we’re working on. We have a U-shaped setup, with the sink at the center and a small utility closet and bathroom tucked behind it. Right now, we’re in a state of chaos due to the process of revamping the space, adding two large repurposed windows, a fresh coat of paint, and even a new yoga studio corner. The radiant floor heating is a game-changer for those long Minnesota winters. One thing we do not like about the studio is the mice that can occasionally find their way into the walls. And though the studio is large enough for all our work, there’s always the need to push a table aside or squeeze the wheel into a corner to make room for the next project. It’s part of the charm and chaos of a working studio.
The flow of the work goes from back to front, with the kilns oriented away from the general workspaces. Finished work is near the door with packing materials nearby. Infrastructure for shows, booth, shelves, etc., is stored in another building. The sink is central.
The studio has been the heart of our artistic journey for twenty years, which started with the goal of making art, hustling at craft shows, and filling in the gaps with gallery work and teaching gigs. Our approach is grounded in the belief that making honest and sincere work is the most important thing. Whether it’s slab built or thrown on the wheel, we use Endicott Brick Clay, a high-iron mid-range stoneware that complements our favorite methods of decoration—everything from slip trailing and sgraffito, to carving and burnishing. We fire to cone 5 in an electric kiln. The work we make is mainly functional, inspired by our surroundings, a reflection of us—sometimes it’s whimsical, sometimes it’s meditative, but it’s always crafted with care.
Sean’s time in the studio is consistent, putting in about 40 hours a week, and he keeps a regular schedule while maintaining some flexibility with the process. He also regularly teaches yoga classes as a side hustle. Kate, on the other hand, balances studio time with her teaching job. During the school year, she’s limited in how much time she can dedicate to pottery, but in the summer months, she tries to make up for lost time without getting too overwhelmed. This year, she’s cutting back on her school hours, which will give her more time to devote to the studio.
Paying Dues (and Bills)
When we first launched, we didn’t quite realize just how difficult it would be. The artistic side came easily enough; after all, both of us have formal education in the arts—Sean with a BFA from Ohio University and an MFA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Kate with a BFA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. But the business side? That was a whole new world. Add the challenges of raising two young kids in a new community, and throw in the backdrop of The Great Recession, and things got tough. We were fortunate to have a significant safety net—the support of family who were just next door. Their backing gave us the stability we needed to keep taking risks and pushing forward.
At the same time, a bit of serendipity stepped in. The local school received a grant for a Chinese teacher, and since Kate speaks Mandarin, she found herself stepping into an unexpected teaching role. It was a big shift and it kept us afloat. When our kids were little, while Kate taught, Sean took on the role of primary caregiver and homemaker, a decision motivated by both a desire to spend more time with our kids and the high costs of childcare. As a result, our art careers took a bit of a backseat at times, but it was always a balancing act between family and art, with the studio being a natural extension of our home life.
We sell most of our work directly to customers. Our clientele tends to be open and appreciative of art and creativity and are willing and able to support makers like us who offer one-of-a-kind products. About 70% of sales come from shows, 10% from online sales, and 20% from the studio itself. We’ve found that building relationships with our customers is key, which has earned us many repeat customers. We’ve done our fair share of social media, but both of us find it draining. We choose to pour most of our energy into making good work and continuing to show it at selective art events. Studio tours have been a particularly rewarding way to connect with people in a meaningful way. We return to Nebraska twice a year for the Omaha North Hills Pottery Tour and Lincoln Clay Tour, and we also participate in a local tour out of our studio. These have been reliable anchors for us.
Marketing
Despite our previous lack of effort with social media, we do appreciate the role it plays in keeping our work visible. We are learning to navigate that balance—continuing to push our work into new shows, exhibitions, and occasionally having teaching opportunities while keeping the energy focused on making our work. We understand that our in-person shows, website, online store, and social media posts should all work together. We are always working to improve this flow and keep the dots connected.
Mind
When it comes to downtime, we both have ways to recharge. Sean finds renewal through yoga, outdoor activities, and quality time spent with friends and family. He has no trouble with creative roadblocks; for him, it’s all about staying in the flow and letting the work happen. Kate, on the other hand, has more trouble carving out time for herself. She tends to put everyone else’s needs first, which means she’s still figuring out how to regularly find that space to recharge. Both of us agree, however, that staying healthy and making peace with ourselves in the studio is crucial. Taking care of our people is always at the heart of what we do.
Most Important Lesson
Looking ahead, we’re excited about the next chapter of our artistic journey. We feel as though we’ve built a solid foundation, and with energy, health, and enthusiasm, we’re ready to take the next step. Sean plans to work into more national shows while Kate plans to make more work and start with local shows. Keeping our website active and a presence on social media will become a priority. It’s been a winding, sometimes messy, but incredibly fulfilling road. The path hasn’t always led to financial success, but it has led us to a place where we have a comfortable home and studio, we’re doing what we love, offering our work to others, and living a rich and meaningful life.
For those thinking of doing this work, there is not only one way to do it. Figure out what works for your lifestyle, keep at it, develop some grit. Have a vision, be persistent and patient.
pommedeterrepottery.com
Facebook: @pommedeterrepottery
Instagram: @potatopottery
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