"There is Beauty in Imperfection"

I am a member of Junto of Muncie. Our weekly meetings often have a speaker from within the community and this week's speaker was truly inspiring.

What is Junto?

Junto, originally founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1727, is a group of individuals dedicated to mutual improvement and fostering intellectual and personal growth. The Junto of Muncie carries on this tradition, bringing together local leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and inspire positive change within the community.

On January 13, 2025, our group had the privilege of hosting Toren Scott, the owner of Made in Muncie Pottery, located at 313 S. Walnut Street in downtown Muncie.

Toren grew up in Yorktown, Indiana, and attended Purdue University and the Ball State Art program. He first became immersed in the art scene while working at Gordy's Fine Art and Framing. In 2007, he joined the United States Navy.

In 2010, his life changed forever.

Toren shared his extraordinary journey of resilience and creativity, offering insight into how his life experiences have shaped both his artistry and his outlook. He recounted the traumatic hit-and-run accident that left him severely injured, requiring two years of recovery and multiple surgeries.

He was stationed in San Diego with the Navy, it is there that Toren was struck by a motorist while walking home from dinner with friends. It took four surgeries and two years to regain some sense of normalcy.

He explained how these challenges led him to rediscover his love for pottery. This passion became a crucial part of his physical therapy, helping him rebuild strength in his hands while rekindling his creative spirit.

In 2012, Toren purchased "The Artist Within," a business he later transformed into Made in Muncie Pottery. His studio has since become a cornerstone of the local community, celebrated for its creativity and connection.

Toren also shared the story behind his unique robotic pottery designs, which reflect his deeply personal philosophy.

"Reconstruction, patched or cobbled together, is the main theme throughout his work. These ideas are influenced heavily by the journey of his life and his own physical limitations.

Through altered thrown sculpture, he explores how imperfection can still allow humor, function, playfulness, and beauty. This influence is based heavily on the way he had to alter his course in life to accommodate his own injuries. The injuries that left him medically retired from the United States Navy."

He emphasized that, like his art, life is often a patchwork of experiences and struggles. Using the metaphor of life being held together by duct tape, twine, and a stick of gum, Toren expressed his commitment to finding beauty in imperfection:

"Finding a way to make something wonderful, even if dented or bruised, is what he strives to convey in his work, because there is beauty in imperfection."

Toren's story and art inspire us to embrace our own challenges and imperfections, transforming them into something meaningful and beautiful. His message resonated deeply, reminding us of the resilience and creativity inherent in the human spirit.

Would you like to learn more about Junto or explore the creative world of Made in Muncie Pottery? Let us know how we can connect you further!