Tradition in Clay

Bellingham’s diverse pottery studios

Story and photos by Ayden Sweat

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A ceramicist hunched over a throwing wheel molds their work to perfection with more clay in queue for throwing.

Aprons painted with the experience of ceramicists hang on a coat rack just in front of MUD Ceramic’s wash station.

Austin Danson puts the final touches on the clay pot, making sure it has the necessary integrity to withstand a kiln firing.

As the clay takes shape, Austin Danson flares the edges and flattens the face of the soon to be pot.

Austin Danson puts his dexterous hands to work excavating a large piece.

MUD Ceramic Studio owner Austin Danson joins another ceramicist to get his hands dirty by kneading clay for throwing.

Pottery pieces in various stages of the firing process decorate the outdoor firing area of Burnish Clay Studio.

A ceramicist begins kneading a fresh mound of clay in preparation for eventual throwing.

A cubby at Burnish Clay Studio filled with a mighty block of clay and tools.

A grid of cubbies filled with the possessions of various ceramicists at Burnish Clay Studio.

Trays and plates line the top of cubbies for throwing and storage of pottery pieces.

During class at Baker Creek Ceramic Studio, Brecken Stockmar offers advice and compliments to a dedicated student’s work.

A ceramicist pulls one of a series of pots off the throwing wheel for kiln firing.

An assortment of wires, brushes, ribs and more serve as tools artists interface with to bring their work to fruition.

Although functional ware is most common in pottery studios, some artists feel inclined to explore sculpture or even blend the two.