I’ve had the privilege…

of working with Sunshine Cobb for over five years now, and I know that I could not have succeeded without her. Sunshine guided me through my undergraduate program and continues to mentor me through my master’s work. Our monthly meetings have been invaluable—I always come away with a new perspective or a clear next step. I can’t imagine a time in my career when I won’t be working with her.

What sets Sunshine apart is her ability to really listen. She never gives generic advice. Instead, she takes the time to understand exactly where you are and what’s holding you back, then asks just the right questions to move you forward. Whether it’s helping me tackle a creative block or rethink my approach to a project, she always seems to know what will help.

Sunshine brings decades of real-world experience to her mentoring. She has a thriving studio practice, wrote two of the definitive books in our field, participated in artist residencies, and has given countless workshops across the country. There’s nothing you can bring to her that she hasn’t seen or done herself, and she’s incredibly generous in sharing all that experience.

Her guidance goes far beyond technique or making better work (though she absolutely helps with that). As a ceramic artist trying to navigate my way, I’ve found Sunshine’s support essential in figuring out how to move forward—both in my art and in building a meaningful career. Her combination of no-nonsense advice and genuine care is rare. She’ll push you and support you in equal measure.

If you’re looking for a mentor who will help you cut through the noise and find your authentic way forward, I can’t recommend Sunshine highly enough. I feel lucky to have her in my corner.

- Helene Hadfield