#335 The Poetic Intersection of Pottery and Heritage Gabby Malpas

In this podcast episode, the host delves into the life and art of Gabby Melkis, a Chinese adoptee who channels her unique identity and heritage into her pottery. Gabby recounts her journey from art school to a corporate career and her return to pottery during the lockdown, using her art to navigate the complexities of personal history and transracial adoption. Her work reflects her story, combining the joy of creation with deeper messages about authenticity. Listeners are invited to explore Gabby's world through her social media and website, as she imparts wisdom on finding one's voice in art and life, emphasizing the importance of being genuine and the simple mantra, "Don't be a dickhead." Learn more about gabby by clicking here https://www.instagram.com/gabbymalpas/ Top 3 Value Bombs: 1. Embrace Your Heritage Through Art: Gabby Melkis shares the powerful connection between her Chinese heritage and her art, emphasizing the impact of personal history on creative expression. Despite the challenges of being a transracial adoptee, she channels her unique experiences into her pottery, using it as a vessel to tell her story and celebrate her identity. Her journey highlights the importance of exploring and embracing one's roots as a source of artistic inspiration and authenticity. 2. Rediscovery and Growth in Lockdown: The stillness of the 2020 lockdown provided Gabby with an opportunity to rediscover her passion for pottery, demonstrating that periods of pause and reflection can lead to personal and professional growth. Gabby's return to clay is a testament to the idea that it's never too late to revisit a former passion or craft and that such a return can reignite a sense of joy and fulfillment in one's work. 3. Don't Be a Dickhead – Simple Yet Profound: Gabby shares her simple, all-encompassing life mantra, "Don't be a dickhead," which resonates with the podcast's audience as a guiding principle for personal interactions and self-expression. This advice serves as a reminder that the way we treat others and navigate the world around us can have a significant impact on our lives and communities, reinforcing the value of kindness and authenticity in every aspect of life.