How I Fell In Love With Pottery
Posted by Shelsea Forward on
Thank you for being here and supporting me on this journey. My hope is that my story encourages you to dream big and face life’s challenges with hope and resilience.
Hi, I’m Shelsea Dawn Forward—yes, like Chelsea, but with a “Shhh” at the start! I live on the beautiful west coast of British Columbia, Canada, with my husband Matt, to whom I’ve been married for 16 years, and our two amazing daughters. The stunning landscapes of the west coast often inspire my pottery designs.
Life doesn’t always go as planned, and a few years ago, I found myself navigating a season of unexpected challenges. It was a time of significant change, and I was searching for something to bring calm and joy into my life. That’s when pottery found me.
A friend had mentioned how therapeutic pottery classes had been for her, and I decided to give it a try. From the moment my hands touched the clay, I was hooked. It became an outlet I desperately needed—a quiet, creative escape that helped me find focus and joy again.
When in-person classes paused, I began experimenting at home with leftover clay. Hand-forming and slab-building became my sanctuary, grounding me during some of the most challenging times. Pottery wasn’t just a hobby; it became a lifeline.
In 2021, our family made a deliberate decision to simplify our lives. We left behind a large, custom-built home to move into a cozy rancher that better aligned with our values. For us, it’s less about “having” and more about “doing”—creating memories, pursuing hobbies, traveling, and truly enjoying time together. This shift reminded us that happiness isn’t found in material things but in relationships, health, and living with intention.
Pottery has been a part of this journey, bringing me immeasurable joy. It’s a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, there’s space to create something beautiful. I am so grateful for the support and encouragement you’ve shown me—it means the world.
Every time you like, comment on, or share my work, it fuels my passion to keep creating. This is only the beginning, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me. Thank you for being part of it!
Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come.
I love your story and can relate to it. I have tried to keep up with the Jones but could care less now. We are planning on downsizing as well, but love our neighborhood on 271 A and 27th on the corner lol.
We are trying hard to live in the moment and create memories instead of things.
Your journey through the continuing recovery of your concussion and your insight/reflection into a balanced life is inspiring. You are gifted in teaching and I wish i lived closer to experience a full course session.