Donation protected
My name is Michael Hamlin owner of Hamlin Ceramics. I live in the WNC mountains close to the Asheville area. I work full time as a potter out of my home/studio. I’m surrounded by 100’s of acres of forest, much owned by the Conserving Carolina. My heart and soul are fed by my natural surroundings. The plants growing around me are a big source of inspiration for my ceramics.
I live with Type 1 Diabetes and through proper exercise, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and a healthy plant based diet, I manage that disease quite well. Despite keeping myself fit and healthy, there are additional challenges for those living with Type 1 Diabetes. One such consequence is heart disease. In 2017, at the age of 51 , I had a heart attack and had two stents installed
I overcame this condition and came back stronger with more motivation to create ceramic art.
Unfortunately, Type 1 Diabetes progresses along with the heart disease. It was determined I will need a double bypass. Surgery will take place Wednesday, June 30th.
I’ll be in hospital for some days followed by up to two weeks in a rehabilitation center called Care Partners. Recovery afterwards will involve no lifting, no pushing, and no pulling, basically no clay work, for three months
After living through the pandemic with show and exhibition cancellations, I was really excited to get back to art festivals and talking with people at these shows. The surgery and recovery have forced me to cancel all shows for this year and will severely limit what I can supply the galleries that carry my work. I am heartbroken that I had to withdraw from the Mint Potters Market, which I had been wanting to participate in for years. I also had to cancel my participation in the North Carolina Ceramic Arts Festival which I was this years feature artist. Having to miss out on Art in the Park, Blowing Rock, and the Decatur Arts Festival was another blow.
These shows constitute a significant part of my income. That income helps pay for booth fees the following year and keeps me financially afloat through the winter months when shows are few and gallery sales slow down after the holidays.
This life circumstance of open-heart surgery is difficult for me. The doctors and surgeons insist there is/was nothing I could have done to prevent this from happening. It’s just part of living with Type 1 Diabetes.
My financial situation will be hit extremely hard due to the recovery period being when all my art festivals are scheduled. I will not be making pieces during recovery and thus will not be able to supply galleries with pieces to bring in additional income.
I was taken by surprise when a friend and peer in the ceramics community called me asking if the Carolina Clay Guild could sponsor a Go Fund Me Campaign. With respect and gratitude I said Yes.
This generous gift by members of my community will change my life in ways I have yet to understand.
I live with Type 1 Diabetes and through proper exercise, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and a healthy plant based diet, I manage that disease quite well. Despite keeping myself fit and healthy, there are additional challenges for those living with Type 1 Diabetes. One such consequence is heart disease. In 2017, at the age of 51 , I had a heart attack and had two stents installed
I overcame this condition and came back stronger with more motivation to create ceramic art.
Unfortunately, Type 1 Diabetes progresses along with the heart disease. It was determined I will need a double bypass. Surgery will take place Wednesday, June 30th.
I’ll be in hospital for some days followed by up to two weeks in a rehabilitation center called Care Partners. Recovery afterwards will involve no lifting, no pushing, and no pulling, basically no clay work, for three months
After living through the pandemic with show and exhibition cancellations, I was really excited to get back to art festivals and talking with people at these shows. The surgery and recovery have forced me to cancel all shows for this year and will severely limit what I can supply the galleries that carry my work. I am heartbroken that I had to withdraw from the Mint Potters Market, which I had been wanting to participate in for years. I also had to cancel my participation in the North Carolina Ceramic Arts Festival which I was this years feature artist. Having to miss out on Art in the Park, Blowing Rock, and the Decatur Arts Festival was another blow.
These shows constitute a significant part of my income. That income helps pay for booth fees the following year and keeps me financially afloat through the winter months when shows are few and gallery sales slow down after the holidays.
This life circumstance of open-heart surgery is difficult for me. The doctors and surgeons insist there is/was nothing I could have done to prevent this from happening. It’s just part of living with Type 1 Diabetes.
My financial situation will be hit extremely hard due to the recovery period being when all my art festivals are scheduled. I will not be making pieces during recovery and thus will not be able to supply galleries with pieces to bring in additional income.
I was taken by surprise when a friend and peer in the ceramics community called me asking if the Carolina Clay Guild could sponsor a Go Fund Me Campaign. With respect and gratitude I said Yes.
This generous gift by members of my community will change my life in ways I have yet to understand.
Organizer and beneficiary
Carolina Claymatters
Organizer
Gerton, NC
Michael Hamlin
Beneficiary