About Me
My name is Sandy Turner, and like most women I wear many hats: daughter, wife, mother, chiropractor, Christ follower and Nonna to the best little girl. I love to travel and hike to see the most beautiful views and spending time with my adult children and their families. I know that is not the typical artist bio. I never even thought I was creative or artistic to be honest. I always loved pottery and would search for a local potter to buy a piece from on all our vacations. I still do. I truly believe my tea tastes better in my favorite mug and it reminds me of the artist who made it. Pottery also reminds me of family and all the many memories that were made around that mixing bowl at the center of it all. Pottery connects me with people, the earth and brings joy to ordinary days. Most importantly, pottery became a part of my healing journey.
My Story
In 2015 we lost our oldest boy at just 17 years old, and I was in a dark place. But I still had two younger boys at home that were being homeschooled and needed me. Each day I had to put one foot in front of the other, fight the waves of grief and survive for them. But God was so faithful and so good to me through it all. A few years later both of my boys moved out within 8 months of each other to go to school and get married. Suddenly, I was home alone with my puppy, Dougal, and my hubby who traveled a lot for work. I was in a season where I didn’t know who I was or what my purpose was anymore.
But God gave me a dear friend that I started doing pottery with at her home. It was such a healing time. We are both a part of the club no one wants to join and we both learned to cling to our faith not just to survive but to thrive. During that time, I didn’t just learn pottery, but I learned that I could hold grief and joy at the same time.
My Space
I loved our time creating and sharing, but it didn’t take long before I knew I needed a space of my own to create on a regular basis. My hubby and I spent nine long months pouring blood and lots of sweat equity into my little studio. I think it was the hottest summer in Georgia that I ever experienced. Turtle Mountain Studio is my little 10 x12 escape from life just outside my backdoor. It didn’t have a name for a while and never thought it would ever be a business. It’s my sanctuary really. When I am creating in the studio I am listening to worship music or a great audiobook and everything else falls away. I get to meet with God and make things from clay. Good friends, faith and a little mud really brought me healing.
The Name
It took me over a year to name my studio. I knew it had to be something that reflected my journey and what I love. I love sea turtles. I have pictures of them all over my studio. To me they represent perseverance, resilience, and overcoming great obstacles throughout their long life. A life to be lived with joy and grace even when it is difficult. The mountains are my happy place. I love hiking and being surrounded by nature and creation. For some reason it’s a place where I always feel closer to God. It reminds me that life isn’t only about the destination but the journey too. This is how my little studio got its name because these are two little things that bring me joy.
"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Psalm 16:11