Born and raised in Athens and Watkinsville, ceramicist and art teacher Sierra Kirsche was homeschooled until attending high school at Westminster Christian Academy in Watkinsville, where her mother was a teacher. Upon taking a ceramics class at Good Dirt with her mother her senior year, Sierra was inspired to follow an artistic path. She attended Georgia College with the intention of going into art therapy, but ultimately decided to focus on her love of sculpture and ceramics, which became her concentration for her degree. After graduating into the COVID pandemic in 2020, Sierra moved back home and began her ceramics business while working in restaurants around Athens. Today, she continues to run her ceramics business, Sierra K. Ceramics, as well as teaching pottery classes at her studio. Outside of her work, Sierra also heads the Little Kings Market, an art, vintage, clothing and food pop-up at Little Kings Shuffle Club in Athens. She lives with her son Oliver Starr, 3, in Watkinsville.
What is your favorite part of your career?
The community I have found with ceramics, and art in general! From hosting markets, to teaching art lessons, and even selling my work, it is amazing to feel so supported as an artist while also being able to meet some incredible artists as well. This community is rich with creatives and it is a true honor to be a part of it.
What are your favorite things to do in and around Athens?
When I’m not in the studio you can find me either serving or dining at a few of my favorite restaurants in town! I’ve worked in the food industry for 10+ years, along with ceramics, and Athens is full of some really tasty spots. I love ZZ & Simone’s (I also work there), Puma Yu’s, Hi-Lo, and Hidden Gem.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
I would love to go back to Japan. A lot of my work is influenced by traditional Japanese ceramicware in shape and design, and I would love to do a deep dive into the process more in person. I was able to visit Tokyo recently and the second I got back home I couldn’t wait to plan my next visit!
If you could see any band or musician, anywhere at any time in history, who would you see and where?
This is a tough one, but I have to say The Beatles. I can remember listening to The White Album in the car all the time growing up and every time I hear any of their music it just puts a smile on my face. Hell, I mean my son is even named after Ringo Starr!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
To care less about what everyone else thought.
Do you have a favorite book, or a book you find yourself rereading, referencing or gifting most often?
It’s a bit embarrassing but I can’t tell you the last time I was able to sit down and read a book. However, every night I do get to read books and stories to my son and for the past year or so his favorite book has been The Giving Tree. It was a favorite book of mine as a kid and it’s been really sweet to share that with him.
Do you have a favorite movie? Or, do you remember the first movie you saw in a theater?
The Lobster is definitely one of my favorite movies. It’s quite an odd take on relationships that’s funny, romantic, and suspenseful. I feel like every time I see it I find myself thinking about it for weeks.
If you could put any message on a billboard what would it be?
“What are you waiting for?!”
If you could have lunch with anyone dead or alive who would it be and where?
I would have to get lunch with my mom. It doesn’t really matter where, maybe home.made because I remember how she raved about their tomato pie one time, or Dinner Party since it was her favorite spot in town. She passed away nearly two years ago. She was an artist, teacher, and big supporter of her community through the arts. I would give anything to be able to show her how far I have come as an artist and tell her how much she inspires me daily. I think she would be proud.
What three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word Home?
Community, creative, comfortable. Big fan of alliteration, if you can’t tell.
