View Larger Image Jar, 8 in. (20 cm) in height, thrown and altered porcelain, soda fired. By Ryan McKerley.

September 3, 2007

Working for Others or for Yourself…It’s a Choice

by Dennis W. Smith | Read Comments (4)

Today is Labor Day, a United States federal holiday that takes place annually on the first Monday in September. The holiday began in 1882, originating from a desire to create a day off for the "working man." At the time, Labor Day was observed with street parades to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families.

These days, Americans celebrate Labor Day with a little less fanfare than in the past. Some cities have parades and community picnics. Many politicians "kick off' their political campaigns by holding rallies. Most Americans consider Labor Day the end of the summer, and the beaches and other popular resort areas are usually packed with people enjoying one last three-day weekend. So, what better day than today to avoid the crowds at the park and beaches (and the shopping mall!) by staying inside and practicing your labor of love: pottery! To help get you inspired, today you’ll read about Austin, Texas, potter Ryan McKerley who decided some time ago to labor for himself while choosing to enjoy the freedom of operating his own studio and setting his own hours.

Working for Others or for Yourself…It’s a Choice
by Dennis W. Smith
Austin, Texas, potter Ryan McKerley is a jack-of-all-ceramics-trades; partly by necessity—but mostly by preference. He is one of those individuals who understands the true pros and cons of trying to sustain a living as a functional potter. When I approached him because a position as studio manager of our ceramics department was available, McKerley gave serious consideration to having a regular job with salary and health benefits. After some thought, he turned down the opportunity. He explained, “I enjoy the freedom of operating my own studio and setting my own hours. The process of how you work can dictate the focus of your work. In one’s own studio one can invent and dictate the process and the environment from the beginning; where the studio is located, how it is set up and where to buy materials. All can dictate the outcome of your work. Being a craftsman is a way of creating my own order in my world.” An explanation I certainly respect.

McKerley grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico. His father is a scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory. His mother is a speech therapist and author of several children’s books. McKerley graduated from Abilene Christian University of Texas. Starting out in his early twenties, McKerley initially joined with three friends to form a co-op in Austin, Texas. He experimented all the time trying to find his own voice in his work. As he points out, “Financially a co-op is a good way to start off. It allows you to watch other people, their system and how they work. It’s a good place for growing together and building camaraderie. It’s a great stepping stone.”

McKerley now prefers to work alone rather than within a co-op. As with any community, over a length of time, disagreements will arise such as working space needs, limited budgets and keeping the bills paid on time. All of these issues began to create uncomfortable tensions. Basically, one can outgrow a co-op arrangement. McKerley now rents and operates a small studio with a living space (a total of about 1000 square feet) near downtown Austin.

In setting up a studio, McKerley makes several recommendations to other artists. “Try to pay attention to the demands on your body such as heavy lifting and repetitive movements,” he advises. “Stand while you throw. Build your kiln so it is easy to load. Be sure to spend a lot of time setting up your studio to function as ergonomically as possible. Organize it to accommodate you and your pace of work, and alternate your daily routine.”

I asked McKerley what was the best advice ever given to him. “Live cheaply and keep a low overhead, this should be a number one priority,” he replied. “I think I read this one time in Ceramics Monthly.” I also asked McKerley about health care and if he felt it to be an issue. As with most of us, in his infallible early youth, McKerley wasn’t so concerned but now he recognizes the need for at least a basic health care plan. “I finally realized if I had a major disaster I could be screwed.” After some research he found a plan for about $85 a month.

Coming Wednesday…You’ll read more about McKerley’s choice to work for himself and his passion for clay. As he puts explains, “I love working in clay. My brain is just programmed to do it. I like the flexibility of working late or sleeping late. I like buyers and my peers responding to the work. I get responses back directly from my audience. Maker, seller, scientist, accountant, handyman—keeps it interesting. It keeps you from getting narrowly focused.”