Ceramicist and silversmith Bethany Moseley didn’t identify as an artist until just a few months ago. At the beginning of the new year, she read a book along with some other creatives about being an artist and the ability to tap into inspiration, “create art and never [get] blocked.”
Inspired by coastal tide lines and deep woods, Moseley says she finds inspiration in Alaska for her work, which encompasses Wolf Child Wild Muse. She grew up in Oregon, and lived in Southeast Asia, Colorado and Washington before choosing home in Eagle River.
“I moved to Alaska about two years ago and literally from day one, Alaskans are the nicest group of people I’ve ever met in my life,” she said. “Cashiers at the grocery store are like, giving you their phone number … and I had just never experienced that before.”
Moseley began dabbling in silversmithing in February after meeting a fellow artist at a market the summer prior. Moseley says she had an “unofficial internship” from her friend, who taught her everything she knows.
“It feels like something I just do everyday, but I make pottery and I silversmith for a living, and it’s my dream job,” Moseley said. “It never feels like work. I just felt like, ‘Oh, this is something that I do.’”
She also teaches pottery classes at the Fairview Recreation Center for children of all ages.
“Mostly it’s kids, which is new to me … teaching pottery to kids, I love it,” she said. “I do teach some adults and I really enjoy that, it’s nice to be in a calm environment with adults, and we’re all making things. I love the variety a lot.”
Moseley says her newest goal is getting into a gallery or store and overcoming her imposter syndrome.
“I’ve had some really nice people offer to let me come into their store and sell pottery and jewelry, but I feel so nervous about it,” Moseley said.
Wolf Child Wild Muse will be at Odd Man Rush Brewing selling her work in Eagle River on Aug. 11. She will also be part of Clay Fest 2024 in September.
“To all the artists out there, just make art whether it’s good art or bad art,” she said. “I feel like often — for me at least — not realizing that I was an artist, so sometimes when I’m inspired I’m like, ‘Oh, but I don’t think I would do that justice,’ or whatever. I feel like art demands to be created and if you don’t create when you’re inspired then art is going to find a different person to come into fruition to.”
Sam Davenport is a writer residing in Anchorage. She's a leo and a plant-person, and loves spending quality time with her dog, Aspen. She is a Real Housewives fan and has been called a Bravo historian.
