CarsonClayworksCo

Chris Carson grew up in Wentzville, Missouri, and was a graduate of Wentzville Holt High School. After graduation in 1997, she continued on as a student at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago; where she focused in Ceramics. In 2001, she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Chris also graduated from Lindenwood University, in 2005, with a Masters in Teaching.

In 2010, she and her husband built a personal ceramics studio in Illinois. One year later she founded Carson Clayworks Company, and began creating unique utilitarian pottery. When asked about her history with clay, she had this to say:

“I have had a love affair with clay since the age of four, and I have an affinity for vessels. I have a tendency to be very rigid with my forms, and force myself to step outside of my own working confines by adding texture to my pots that increase the visual fluidity and tactile interest to the forms without hindering the functionality of the vessels. On forms that are left with unaltered surfaces, I am able to play with glaze layering to create light play on what would otherwise be considered an ordinary surface.” – Chris Carson

All of Chris’ vessels are fired in an electric kiln utilizing a complex firing schedule to elicit the effects of a gas fired kiln in conjunction with specifically formulated glazes that are layered. The result is a soft, satin, and slightly crystalline feel on the surface of the pots that is not only appealing to the visual aesthetics of the form, but also feel soothing to the touch.

“I want people to fall in love with the idiosyncrasies of each of their handmade pots. Each one should be different, and be viewed from different angles to truly appreciate the surfaces, techniques, colors, and the way it feels in their hands. To me, pots are like people; they each have their own individual personalities. I envision a world where people have place settings, on their dinner tables, where each setting is completely different than the one next to, or across from it.” – Chris Carson