“I want to make art that connects people,” Caitlin explained. “For me, some of that comes from if I make two mugs and you buy one for you, one for your friend and then the two of you have coffee together at your house — I want to make art for moments.”

Inline with her community-focused drive, Caitlin often finds herself forming a number of functional pieces. Some may appear simplistic in design while others radiate abstract creativity, but at the end of the day, each piece generates a different set of behind-the-scenes challenges.

“Right now I’m making lamps. That’s been a new adventure for me because I’m having to learn how to wire a lamp and putting shades with vessels,” Caitlin said.

Yet, no challenge seems to deter the innovator away from her craft. Even with misconceptions flowing through the non-artist world about the “starving artist” lifestyle, Caitlin continuously tries to bridge the gap caused by the misunderstanding and encourages fellow artists to do the same.

“I try to help people understand the work behind the process. (Ceramics) is a serious thing, it’s a real skill set, and part of how I’m able to make it look simple or easy is the hundreds of hours I’ve put into it,” Caitlin stated. “When you put your art out into the world, It’s extremely vulnerable. People are going to pass by it, and that’s something you just have learn. You have to continue to show up.”

One way Caitlin gets showcases her expertise is through workshops. Her next workshop (open to the community) will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 31 at 2200 W. Wadley Ave., suite 206b. To buy tickets and to keep up with Caitlin’s activities around town, check out her Instagram @caitlinireneceramics or her website www.caitlinirene.com.