HannahGraeperPottery

My ceramic education has been very organic. I began learning about clay in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York. I had many wonderful teachers and mentors there, all of whom gifted me with the skills and techniques needed to pursue a career in ceramics. From NY, I traveled to the mountains of North Carolina where I delved deeper into the craft, working full time at a wonderful studio called Yellow Branch Pottery.

My time in North Carolina was particularly enlightening for it provided me with the opportunity to make pottery full time as well as to test my dedication to the art form. Learning the craft from such a wide variety of teachers over a period of about 10 years has given me the time and space I needed to develop a deep familiarity and appreciation for clay as well as a line of work or which I am proud.

My work is intended for daily use. I use stone ware clay and food safe glazes. I want my work to function properly in its intended use as well as enliven and beautify the space in which it functions. My primary decoration technique is glaze trailing. I leave a large part of the outside of my pieces unglazed and then I use that surface as a canvas upon which I draw, or trail, fine lines of glaze. I love the orderliness of repeating patterns, which adorn many of my pieces. I use an electric kiln to fire all my pieces.

I love making pottery. It is a constant source of joy, amusement, peace and indeed, sometimes frustration. Despite the challenges, every day in the studio makes me grateful; for the people who have helped make my dream a reality, for my incredible good fortune to have discovered something I am passionate about, for this amazing world and my physical connection to it. I’m so excited to be doing what I love!