It was, perhaps, somewhat predictable that beginning a career as a ceramic artist I would end up interviewing a potter, however, my special guest for this episode is more than a potter.

I’ve admired the work of world-renowned ceramic artist Steve Harrison for some time, whose handmade vessels have earned international acclaim for their quiet elegance and timeless character. His unique style of mostly mugs and teapots show embossed flowers, debossed sunflowers, handles delicately balanced on balls affixed to the side of mugs, kinks in delicately thin mug walls, and all finished in the ancient technique of salt glaze; a wonderfully tactile finish. Steve makes functional works of art.

Steve Harrison’s works are highly collectible; his beautiful, unique porcelain mugs sell for upwards of £1,000 - and that’s if you can find one.

So, what does a lifetime spent with clay teach us about patience, beauty, and the art of slowing down?

In this episode of pause & effect we discuss when Steve first knew that clay would become his life’s work, and some of his early influences; the pace of pottery and how working with clay has changed his relationship with time - and indeed how it has changed the way he lives. I find Steve’s work really beautiful but I wanted to know makes something beautiful to him, and we discuss the notion of perfection and the metaphors and similarities working with clay has for our living.

When I asked Steve to sum up his work in one word, he had the perfect answer!

We reference the challenges makers like Florian Gadsby face; the early influence of Wally Keeler and Jane Hamlyn, and the friendship and mentorship of Mick Casson.

Whether you’re a maker, a dreamer, or simply curious about how pressing pause on life can change the way we live and work, this conversation is an invitation to see beauty in the everyday, embrace patience, and rediscover the power of working with our hands.

Please do subscribe to the podcast and take a moment to review to help others discover it. If you don’t already receive my free weekly email with 3 thoughts, 1 quote, 1 question, and some content for the curious, head to thatjezrose.com/journey to sign up.

Written and produced by Jez Rose. Editing by Josh Gasparro.

www.thatjezrose.com

I’m delighted to begin the first series of pause & effect with this interview with Amber Harrison and Karen Brazier of acclaimed independent book store, Folde in Dorset, England. It is the perfect interview to set the tone for exploring how pressing pause on life can have a life-changing effect.

We discuss ‘The Big Pivot’; how leaving corporate life became a significant turning point for both Amber and Karen. From what life looked like before and what wasn’t working and felt misaligned, to the turning point that led to big change.

Obviously we talk about ‘The Bookshop Dream’ from idea to reality and importantly how the idea for Folde was born but also the process of starting something so different, which presented both emotional and practical challenges.

Crucially I wanted to explore ‘Life at a Different Pace’, and how living the pause looks for both of them; what is the reality of slowing down and simplifying and how has it changed their identity, values, and relationships?

We also explore the importance of community, culture and the magic of bookshops: what have they learned about community and how physical spaces can create connection?

Plus, lessons from their journey, and some important take aways for anyone considering pursuing their own dream or walking away from a career and starting over.

Please do subscribe to the podcast and take a moment to review to help others discover it. If you’re not already part of The Journey, head to thatjezrose.com/journey for curated content to help you find your element.

Written and produced by Jez Rose. Editing by Josh Gasparro.

www.thatjezrose.com

There are a lot of exciting changes (and in turn, improvements!) coming to The Journey.

Very soon I’ll be releasing a new podcast called pause & effect, which explores what so many of us yearn for: how to live in our element. Each episode I’m joined by a special guest as we explore the life-changing effect that pressing pause on life can have, to step away from the chaos and the deadlines, the to-do lists and the overwhelm, to live a life of joy, passion, and purpose.

I listen to a lot of podcasts when I’m travelling and sometimes in the mornings or evenings while I’m preparing food. One of the things I really appreciate as a listener is when listener questions are answered.

So if you have a question about how to be in your element, the virtues of a slower, simpler lifestyle or anything else you are seeking answers to, email me ([email protected]) or comment below.

I’m really looking forward to this new show, and can’t wait to share it with you.

Exclusively for paid subscribers to The Journey you’ll enjoy special edition episodes.

For now, subscribe to pause & effect wherever you listen to your podcasts to be the first to know when episode 1 releases very soon.

Subscribe to The Journey from as little as 60p per week to enjoy all the benefits and access all content: