M. sward Ceramics

Melissa Sward crafts functional ceramics in her rural Massachusetts studio, finding balance between motherhood and art. Her work brings daily-life fixtures that blend seamlessly into any home.

Jack W Lennie

Jan 11, 2024 — 3 min read

Edition One Feature (September 2020)
Words by: Melissa Sward
Location: Western Massachusetts, USA
Photo Credits: ©Candace Morgan Hope @candacehope

I make small-batch, functional ceramics from my home studio. I am a one-woman operation and my main job is taking care of my three-year-old son. I manage to do my work when my son is at day care or asleep, but finding a balance has definitely been challenging. I never planned to be a stay-at-home mother – it’s the hardest job I’ve ever had – and installing a ceramics studio in the basement has been my saving grace for the past two years. I got my college degree in studio art, but was unable to pursue my dream; turns out glass-blowing internships are hard to find (who knew?). So I went to graduate school to study an unrelated field (exercise science).

The Calm Before (And After) the Storm.

Edition Ten is making its way across the world and we are already receiving some amazing feedback. You would be forgiven for thinking things have slowed down a bit for Kate and I this week: The first two weeks after the launch of an edition is a strange time for

Nicks Boots

A note from Kate and Jack: We’d like to thank our friend Trent Peterson for introducing us to the owners of Nicks Boots. Not only do Nicks produce the most beautiful handmade leather boots, they’re also doing good: creating employment and keeping skills alive by bringing people in

Wazakura Japan

Wazakura Japan, a women-led business based in Fukuoka, Kyushu, curates and delivers traditional Japanese bonsai, ikebana, and gardening tools worldwide, supporting local artisans and preserving cultural heritage.

Content, Intent, Key Point.

This short read "The First Minute" by Chris Fenning dives into the importance of the initial moments of any professional interaction, whether it's a presentation, a meeting, or a pitch. Fenning's approach is built around a straightforward and powerful framework that focuses on preparing

Read more

The Calm Before (And After) the Storm.

Nicks Boots

Wazakura Japan

Content, Intent, Key Point.