• What: Functional porcelain pottery
• Artist: Anderson Bailey
• Address: 509 E. Main St.
• Website: www.theandersonbailey.com
• Telephone: 615-714-2358
• What's special: Anderson Bailey said his pottery pieces are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. "I love using beautiful things in my life," he said. "Using a handmade object, something you like the way it looks, can enhance a daily ritual."
• The origin story: Bailey became interested in pottery as a high school student in Murfreesboro, Tenn. He studied pottery in college and, after graduation, moved to Portland, Ore., where he worked for a potter and glass artists. Bailey relocated to Chattanooga last January, a move funded in part by a CreateHere ArtsMove grant and by selling his car.
• How long does it take to make: 30-60 minutes of hands-on time for smaller pieces to several hours for larger pieces, including throwing on the potter's wheel, loading and firing in a kiln, glazing and refiring.
• Where it's sold: Bailey has pieces available at his studio and also accepts commissions.
• What it costs: $12 (salt bowl) to $300 (a large centerpiece flower vase).
• Future expansions planned: Bailey said he would like to diversify his pieces and eventually hopes to move into a larger studio. In the short term, he said he aims to expand his online presence and reach out to local galleries.
• Lessons of the trade: "As an independent artist, I realize it's better if I set myself a 9-to-5 schedule, so I can't be distracted," Bailey said. "It's so easy to get distracted since no one is looking over my shoulder. I didn't realize how much all the little things add up to in the studio. That's been a valuable lesson, to learn not to take all that stuff for granted. I feel like every day is some kind of subtle discovery."