Why I Make Pottery in a Mass-Produced World
Why make pottery by hand when mugs are everywhere? Because most of what is available is built to be efficient, not to last.
Why Some Handles Feel Right
A comfortable mug handle is geometry: weight, thickness, negative space and a firm attachment. Here is what I think about.
Why Handmade Isn’t Cheap
Handmade pottery is not expensive because it is handmade. It costs more because of time, high firing, testing and editing.
Can Handmade Pottery Go in the Microwave and Dishwasher?
Can handmade pottery go in the microwave and dishwasher? Usually yes. It comes down to vitrification and glaze fit.
Is Handmade Pottery Durable?
Yes, handmade pottery is durable when it's made and fired correctly. Here's what makes the difference.
How to Tell If a Mug Is Actually Well Made
Six quick checks to tell if a handmade mug is actually well made: rim, weight, foot, handle, surface and sound.
What Changes Between Throwing and Trimming
Throwing gets the credit, but trimming is where a pot's weight, foot and balance get decided.
Why You Always Grab the Same Mug
The mug you always reach for earns its place slowly. Here's what makes it, and what I think about at the wheel.
Not Everything Belongs in My Kiln
I don't fire everything I make. Why some pots stop on the ware board, and why salt never fixes a weak form.
Surface Gets the Credit. The Rim Does the Work.
The glaze gets the credit, but the rim is what meets your mouth every morning. Why I fuss over every mug lip.
Can You Make Functional Pottery From Utah Wild Clay?
Can you make functional pottery from Utah wild clay? Sometimes. What testing, blending and failing have taught me so far.
Why I Choose Functional Pottery Over Decorative Work
Why I make cups, bowls, plates and pitchers instead of sculpture, and why function keeps my work honest.