Today, we’d like to introduce you to Shakira McLain.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My entire life I have always been creative. When I was younger, I used to create mini sketch books with different clothing designs. All the way up to my high school years, I always imagined myself as a Fashion Designer. I wanted to be the black Meryl Streep from ‘Devil Wears Prada’. I went to an all art high school, Cooperative Arts and Humanities HS in New Haven, CT.
Going there, my concentration was Visual Arts. I learned about painting, drawing, sculpting, sewing, and photography. It was a very beneficial school for someone who loved creating. In my junior year, my favorite art teacher, Christopher Cozzi, introduced me to the pottery wheel. His classroom was my favorite place to be. I wasn’t that great with clay then, but I found solitude in it. But I didn’t take it seriously. I still wanted to be a Fashion Designer!
When I graduated high school, I pursued my Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design from SCAD. At this point, I am ABSOLUTELY convinced that this was my purpose in life. I go through 4 of the most treacherous years of my life. I learned how to sew, create patterns, drape, use 3d digital software, photoshop, illustrator, Indesign, edit photos, and forecast trends! ALL OF IT! I practically became a graphic and fashion designer by my senior year. But before my senior year, 2020 happened. The world shut down, and so did my motivation, and much of my delusion unraveled. I saw how hard it was for me to WANT to create designs. It started to feel more like a chore and something I was forcing myself to do because I was too afraid to imagine a different path for myself.
The end of my senior year, I took a hand building ceramics class, this was the best thing I could’ve done to keep my sanity intact before graduating college. I proceeded to graduate and do what most graduates do: apply for jobs in their field. In 2021, I applied to over 500 jobs in my field. I received only three interviews; one interview reached out to me and rejected me, and the 2nd interview laughed in my face (I wish I was joking) because I was asking for “too much money” (even though they wanted me to relocate and not assist in those expenses). The 3rd interview had me go through 5 interviews and create a project, and they still were not sure if they wanted to hire me and asked for a second project and a 6th interview. To that, I politely declined the offer. That was my final straw. It was hard, but I abandoned my attachment to being a Fashion Designer.
I was recommended to go to to Clayer&Co, this was where I was greeted so kindly and openly. I truly needed a warm and comforting space because life was showing its ass! I taught myself how to throw on the wheel, watched all types of YouTube videos, learned all types of techniques, and figured out what works best for me. In 2022, I decided to create my Instagram, StuckOnaDoorKnob. At the time, I didn’t know I would use it for my ceramics journey, but eventually, I did. And ever since then, I never looked back. I started connecting with different artists; I saw my personal and artistic growth! I was getting invited to markets. So many doors opened to me, and I am so thankful for that change I had to make.
Currently, I am a full-time art teacher at an elementary school and part-time potter. One of these days I want to have my own studio and to create a unique space for people to come and enjoy themselves and to eventually help other struggling artists. If I could have it my way, I would already have a studio and my wheel, and I would always create pottery full-time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been far from smooth. These past few years have been difficult, and I constantly wonder how I have made it this far. I struggle with finances, a lot of mental health issues, and constantly comparing myself. About two years ago, I was fired from my job, putting me in a very tight spot that I am still trying to escape. On top of that, I struggle with anxiety and depression. Anybody who struggles with that understands that it can make you feel stuck, making basic life so complicated.
Somedays I can’t imagine getting out of bed and other days it’s so easy! I still deal with these things today and the things that keep me going are: 1) My friends and family 2) learning when to rest 3) Letting my emotions consume me instead of trying to suppress them and 4) Creating/Journaling in anyway I can. Recently, due to comparing myself to other ceramic artists, I got a bit burnt out and didn’t go to the studio for a while. Though it was VERY hard, I took my time going back, and I relaxed and rested, and I am thankful for that. Because on those days, I tried to force myself to go, I was not creating as well as I normally would, and it was so infuriating! But yes! I am the definition of a struggling artist!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am known for being a ceramic artist specializing in wheel throwing. Most of the things I make will never be made again by me. I am not the type of artist who has a style that I truly think makes me unique. Sometimes I do sit back and think “I should have distinct artistic style” but that’s just not who I am as a person and I don’t want to get bored with making the SAME. THING, EVERY, TIME. (Also, it’s very hard to do that) I enjoy playing with different glazes, creating proportional shapes, and making random one-off pieces.
My different works show how I think as a person. You get what you get from me, and you either love it or hate it. I am proud of myself because I taught myself how to throw on the wheel and got out of my comfort zone by creating my Instagram page! I love interacting with different artists and letting them see the process and letting them see my growth. Social media can be VERY deceiving, and I want to make sure I’m giving the most Authentic version of myself and my art.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Unfortunately, I am not a huge book reader anymore!
But, I do enjoy listening to these three podcasts 1) Sistahs who Kill: Murder podcast 2) Hold for Maintenance 3) The Friendzone. When I am looking for deep life talks, I’ll listen to podcasts 2-3, and when I’m looking to be curious and shocked, I listen to podcast 1. If you were to look on my phone there would be SEVERAL games.
I am a phone gamer, girlie! I love playing puzzle games and a few that eases my mind and distracts me is 1) Tiny Room Story: Town Mystery 2) Nox-Escape Games 3) All the escape games from Sakiko Muto. (If you don’t have an iPhone I am sorry).
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stuckonadoorknob/
- Other: https://www.michaels.com/makerplace/storefront/stuckonadoorknob
