Who is Emily Potts?
Emily Potts is a multifaceted artist, educator, and entrepreneur whose work transcends traditional boundaries. Her distinctive approach to artmaking is deeply rooted in a fascination with the intangible, the internal, and the often-overlooked states of being. She is recognized for her ability to give material form to invisible and chronic conditions, exploring the intricate connections between the brain, mind, and body. This exploration delves into the functioning and disruptions of both internal and external processes, offering a unique perspective on human experience. Potts’ academic journey and career reflect this interdisciplinary spirit. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Foundations department at Michigan State University, where she imparts her knowledge and artistic philosophy to emerging artists. Additionally, she holds the position of Visiting Professor of Sculpture at Muhlenberg College, further solidifying her commitment to art education. Throughout her teaching career, Emily Potts has been instrumental in guiding students through foundational art principles, including Drawing I, Color and Design, 3D Forms, and Sculpture I and II/III. She has also extended her reach through remote teaching, offering Art Appreciation courses. Her academic foundation is built upon a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Sculpture from the University of North Texas, which she earned in 2022, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Texas State University in 2019, demonstrating a dedicated and progressive path in her artistic and academic development.
Emily Potts’ artistic vision: sculpture and inner states
Emily Potts’ artistic vision is characterized by a profound commitment to materializing the invisible and chronic states that shape human experience. Her work, particularly in sculpture, serves as a tangible manifestation of internal landscapes. She meticulously investigates the complex interplay between the brain, mind, and body, seeking to understand how these elements function and, crucially, how they can become disrupted. This focus on internal processes, both functional and dysfunctional, allows Potts to create art that is not only visually compelling but also deeply resonant on a psychological and emotional level. Her sculptures often possess a quality that is both familiar and unsettling, evoking a sense of childlike wonder alongside a subtle undercurrent of unease. This duality creates a unique tension, inviting viewers to confront their own inner states and the often-unseen complexities of their being. The tactile nature of sculpture, combined with Potts’ conceptual depth, allows for a powerful exploration of themes such as healing, reassembly, and the emotional weight of human existence. Her artistic practice is a testament to her ability to translate abstract internal experiences into concrete, thought-provoking forms.
Education and academic career
Emily Potts’ academic journey is a cornerstone of her multifaceted career, underpinning her expertise as both an artist and an educator. She holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Sculpture from the University of North Texas, a prestigious program that she completed in 2022. Prior to this, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Texas State University in 2019. These degrees have provided her with a strong theoretical and practical foundation in the visual arts. Her commitment to fostering the next generation of artists is evident in her active teaching roles. Currently, Emily Potts is an Assistant Professor in the Foundations department at Michigan State University, where she contributes to the core curriculum of art education. She also shares her expertise in sculpture as a Visiting Professor at Muhlenberg College. Her pedagogical experience is extensive, encompassing a wide range of courses. She has taught fundamental art disciplines such as Drawing I, Color and Design, and 3D Forms, alongside specialized sculpture courses including Sculpture I and II/III. Demonstrating her adaptability and reach, Potts has also successfully delivered Art Appreciation courses remotely, making art education accessible to a broader audience. Furthermore, her engagement extends to Southern Methodist University (SMU), where she serves as an Adjunct Professor in Corporate Communication and Public Affairs. Here, she teaches courses like Advanced Writing for Public Relations and PR in a Local Context, showcasing her ability to bridge artistic and communication disciplines. Her academic background and teaching experience are vital to understanding her holistic approach to both her art and her business coaching.
Emily Potts and Exit Compass: coaching for entrepreneurs
Emily Potts brings a unique and invaluable perspective to the world of business coaching through her venture, Exit Compass. Having spent over two decades building, managing, and successfully selling her own companies, she possesses a wealth of practical, hard-won experience. This direct involvement in the entrepreneurial lifecycle, from inception to exit, allows her to offer guidance that is deeply grounded in reality. Exit Compass is dedicated to supporting founders through the often-complex and emotionally charged process of selling their businesses. Potts’ coaching goes beyond mere transactional advice; it focuses on a holistic approach to preparing entrepreneurs for sale, navigating the intricate transition period, and ultimately, helping them discover a renewed sense of purpose and direction after their business journey concludes. Her understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset, combined with her strategic business acumen, makes her an exceptional resource for anyone contemplating or actively engaged in the sale of their company. She understands the immense personal investment involved and provides support that addresses both the financial and emotional aspects of this significant life event.
The Exit Compass framework: preparing for company sale
The Exit Compass framework, developed by Emily Potts, is a comprehensive and strategic methodology designed to guide entrepreneurs through the crucial stages of preparing for and executing a company sale. This structured approach acknowledges that selling a business is not just a financial transaction, but a profound personal and professional transformation. The framework is built upon three core pillars: Prepare, Transition, and Evolve. The ‘Prepare’ phase focuses on meticulously assessing the business’s readiness for sale, identifying potential strengths and weaknesses, and optimizing operations and financials to maximize valuation and appeal to potential buyers. This involves everything from streamlining processes to ensuring robust documentation. The ‘Transition’ phase addresses the complexities of the sale process itself, including negotiation, due diligence, and managing the emotional and logistical challenges that arise. Potts provides invaluable support in navigating these often-turbulent waters. Finally, the ‘Evolve’ phase is dedicated to helping founders find their footing and a new sense of purpose after the sale. This is a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of the exit journey, and Exit Compass helps entrepreneurs envision and build their next chapter, whether that involves new ventures, personal pursuits, or community involvement. This holistic framework ensures that entrepreneurs are not only financially successful in their exit but also emotionally and strategically prepared for what comes next.
Emily Potts’ business and sales experience
Emily Potts’ extensive business and sales experience is the bedrock of her success as a founder and, now, as a business coach. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, she has personally navigated the entire spectrum of building, running, and ultimately selling her own enterprises. This deep well of practical knowledge allows her to connect with entrepreneurs on a visceral level, understanding the triumphs, challenges, and anxieties that come with the entrepreneurial journey. Her expertise isn’t just theoretical; it’s forged in the crucible of real-world business operations and successful divestitures. This direct experience informs her coaching at Exit Compass, where she guides founders in not only preparing their businesses for sale but also in managing the intricate dynamics of the sales process itself. She understands the nuances of valuation, negotiation, and the strategic positioning required to achieve a favorable outcome. Beyond the transactional aspects of sales, Potts’ experience also encompasses the broader entrepreneurial landscape, from initial concept development and growth strategies to team building and operational efficiency. This comprehensive understanding makes her an invaluable mentor for entrepreneurs seeking to maximize their exit and transition smoothly into their next phase of life.
Emily Potts’ art exhibitions and projects
Emily Potts’ artistic endeavors have been showcased across a variety of prestigious venues, highlighting her significant contributions to the contemporary art scene. Her work, often characterized by its exploration of internal states and the mind-body connection, resonates with audiences through its unique aesthetic and profound thematic depth. She has exhibited in notable institutions such as the New York Academy of Art, the Mid-South Sculpture Alliance, the SAA Visual Arts Center, Union Street Gallery, InLiquid Gallery, and LHUCA. These exhibitions have provided platforms for her sculptures and other artistic creations to be seen and appreciated by a wide array of art enthusiasts and critics. Potts’ commitment to her craft is further evidenced by her involvement in specific projects and curated exhibitions that delve into particular aspects of her artistic vision. Her portfolio, often associated with ‘Farm Mouse Studio,’ may also encompass smaller-scale works, potentially including jewelry or metalwork, demonstrating the versatility of her artistic skills and her dedication to exploring different materialities.
Selected works and exhibitions: ‘Healing & Reassembling’, ‘Teardrop’
Among Emily Potts’ notable artistic contributions are her deeply evocative works such as ‘Healing & Reassembling’ and ‘Teardrop’. These pieces exemplify her core artistic concerns: giving tangible form to invisible and chronic states, and exploring the intricate relationship between the brain, mind, and body. ‘Healing & Reassembling’ likely delves into processes of recovery and integration, offering a visual narrative of restoration and wholeness. The title itself suggests a journey from fragmentation to a more cohesive state, a theme that resonates with many human experiences. Similarly, ‘Teardrop’ evokes a powerful emotional response, perhaps exploring themes of sorrow, empathy, or profound personal moments. The simplicity of the form contrasted with the emotional weight it carries is characteristic of Potts’ ability to convey complex feelings through minimalist yet impactful sculptural elements. These works, when presented in exhibitions, invite viewers into a contemplative space, encouraging reflection on their own internal landscapes and the universal experiences of emotional flux and resilience. Her ability to imbue her sculptures with such poignant meaning solidifies her reputation as an artist who effectively translates the intangible into the tangible.
Farm Mouse Studio: artistic portfolio
The Farm Mouse Studio serves as a central hub for Emily Potts’ artistic output, showcasing a diverse portfolio that spans her explorations in sculpture and potentially other mediums. This studio is where her distinctive artistic vision takes shape, translating abstract concepts into tangible forms. While her primary focus often lies in sculpture, the mention of ‘Farm Mouse Studio’ could suggest a broader range of artistic practices, possibly including the creation of unique jewelry or metalwork. These smaller-scale pieces would likely carry the same conceptual weight and aesthetic sensibility as her larger sculptures, demonstrating her versatility and dedication to her craft across different scales and materials. The studio is the crucible where her interdisciplinary approach is most evident, allowing her to experiment with textures, forms, and finishes that bring her explorations of the brain, mind, and body to life. Her portfolio within Farm Mouse Studio represents a curated collection of her artistic journey, offering insights into her evolving style and thematic preoccupations.
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