Melodie's Story

I was raised in a creative midwestern family and have a lifetime love of all types of art and expression. I always knew I was an artist, but when I made my first piece of pottery on the wheel at age 10, I began to think of myself as a potter. In college I was introduced to raku, an ancient Japanese pit firing technique, which became my specialty and obsession. After moving to Nashville in my mid 20’s, I sought out community classes to get my hands back in clay.

A few short years later I embarked on a ten year journey of full time studio work. I took my raku on the road, winning awards and being invited to exhibit at some of the best art shows in the country, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show. I worked with west elm on a collaborative line of pottery, the first numbered, limited edition collection produced by the brand. What an exciting and wonderful opportunity that was!

I currently work full time teaching and making pottery in my Nashville home studio. I continue to exhibit and sell my ceramic work in shows, galleries, and boutiques, and am grateful to God for every opportunity I am given to share the joy of clay with others.

The Work

I love everything about pottery, but I’m most passionate about raku, an ancient Japanese pit firing technique. I work in both traditional and naked raku and enjoy every aspect of the firing process. Smoke and flame create unpredictable variation in the finished pieces, so there's always an element of surprise. Raku is unique in that it is an intimate firing process and I am directly involved in each and every step. I build my small kiln each time I fire, I mix my own glazes, and I nurture a piece through the fire. Even with all that time and attention, the way a piece of pottery turns out is always a surprise. The process is just as important to me as the finished product. I love the juxtaposition of clean lines and crisp details, with raw, rustic unpredictable process. It is exciting to be doing something new with such an ancient technique.

In my work, I’m most interested in honoring quiet moments, images or textures that evoke a memory or connection. I want each and every piece of pottery I make to be its own small celebration. I come from a long line of makers, so beautiful, meaningful handmade objects are important to me. I want the objects I surround myself with to be about connection, to have a story and meaning, to celebrate the tiny details of life. That’s what I strive to create.