Yip Yip Again: Finding My Way Back
Two years ago, I sculpted Appa into clay for the first time as a watering bell. Soon after, I made him into a cup. Then on July 1st, 2023, Astr Ceramics was born with Appa cups being a symbol of that launch day collection. Pieces were small and chunky. (This was normal since I was only 4 months into my pottery journey.)
The Yip Yip Collection was born from a quiet place that brought me comfort knowing that I’ve grown so much since then. I realized that Appa was more than just a symbol of companionship and soul-deep loyalty. He reflected the fact that two years ago, I let go of any fear and I set out to fly & launch my passion project, Astr Ceramics.
Against all odds, the flying bison flew.
Recreating Appa in Matcha Bowl form has been something I’ve always wanted to do. This time it felt different. Quieter. More honest. I approached the handmade pieces with less pressure and more trust. It brought me back to the quiet moments with Astro. (Here’s a secret.) I didn’t watch Avatar: The Last Airbender until 2020 during covid. It was around the second week in quarantine for my family and that’s when I found out that Astro was MY Appa.
The Sets
Because of this, the collection was inspired by companionship. I designed tote bags for the humans and bandanas for the pets, that also match the pottery themselves. I liked to think of it all as a set. The Puppy Love Set and the Yip Yip Set = the ultimate animal lover combo.
With this technique of using my own designs on my handmade pottery, the pieces went through a third kiln firing. I was intentional with creating a variety of dogs that matched dogs we’ve seen at the dog park.
I used to always want to match Astro so this project was about wishing he were here. When he was a sushi piece for Halloween, I was the the sushi chef. One year he was a panda, and I was the zookeeper. When something was your whole world, you’d do anything to stay close to them. <3
Update from the Studio - I messed up
This was the first real collection where I tried something new and offered pre-order. It was an experiment and I’m deeply grateful for those who joined that early chapter.
As I listened to what felt natural (for you and for me), I realized that connection happens best when the clay is ready to meet you. I’ve decided to return to ready-to-ship drops instead of pre-orders as it feels truer to the flow of my work and your experience with it.
Each piece in the collection is limited to just a few pieces, but they are all full of story, care, and playfulness, ready to ship now, just for you.
Thank you for being here. Supporting my dreams & allowing me the space to express myself.-Gwendolyn 