Interview with an Artist: Molly Sanyour

I’m back with Molly Sanyour, the elementary school art teacher and potter from Henrico County, VA who created the beautiful pieces of pottery that I picked up at the Farmers Market last weekend (check out that post here!). This time, she answered a few questions to let us into her world where she celebrates a fearless attitude of not allowing yourself to be discouraged by someone else’s expectations.

Molly responded to my questions via Facebook. Her enthusiasm for her artwork and the people she meets because of it was apparent.

TheCrownless: Did you always have a knack for art?

Molly Sanyour: Art was always my favorite subject since I was a kid, and if you ask me it was probably everyone else’s favorite subject too! I remember my art teacher introducing us to clay and it was simply the most fun thing ever! I would go in during recess to see if I could make things and work on various projects, and she was nice enough to let me! I finally got to high school where I never felt that I shined as an artist or that I should make art a focus, rather I was persuaded to drop art after taking it freshman and sophomore year. I remember along the way someone told me that if you can find something that makes you happy and make a job of it, well that’s the key to happiness.

Realizing that art (which, come on, who didn’t have the most fun in art class?) could be a major and taken seriously, I signed up for a wheel throwing class. I was so excited to finally pursue what really made me happy! I was really drawn to clay because I loved the idea that you can make whatever you want and then use it! Plus I love to entertain so the idea that I could make just the right sized serving dish or a platter just made me happy!

Molly Sanyour Pottery

This morning, I got up at the startling hour of 7:30 AM (well, startling for me…a college student who is particularly fond of sleep) to brave the 97 degree heat to browse around a local Farmer’s Market. This market had produce, beef, pastries, wine, jewelry, flowers and the beautiful work of artist Molly Sanyour. 

I’m a big fan of supporting local artists and Molly is a great example of true skill: all of her pottery - and her artwork, too! She has canvas paintings as well - was stunning. My mom and I picked up these four pieces today but I am sure to be back next weekend to find more treasures (I’m looking at you, blue chip and dip

serving tray!)  Alas, the two pink mugs and the pink pot are my mothers, but I got the purple-y blue handled mug with the natural pink tones inside. I may not know much about pottery aside from the fact that we have a small glass kiln sitting under cobwebs in our basement but I do appreciate craftsmanship when I see it. 

I’m in love with my mug. So much so that I encourage you to go check out Molly’s Facebook page! Aside from pottery, she works with paint on canvas to create pieces in a variety of bright colors. 

Below is a picture of Molly with a display of some of her art, as seen on her Facebook page:

I messaged Molly via her Facebook page to find out if she’d like to give a small interview for the blog. Hopefully in a few days, you’ll see another post on this wonderful artist and her description of the process that goes into making each piece. 

Stay tuned!

Love, Kristin and her new purple mug.