Beachwood Pottery Studio

I grew up on the peninsula where weekends were spent hiking and fishing and every day after school, I was up in a tree or on the beach. I learned the names of the native plants, harvested shellfish, or made forts in the woods. After retiring from teaching young children for 25 year, I am grateful to have the opportunity and time to create from my heart. I learn, work and fire at Jefferson Communit

y Center on Beacon Hill and my husband recently built a studio at our home from up-cycled and found pieces – I call it the Beachwood Studio. Now I can create pieces from home too. My work with clay reflects my lifelong love of the outdoors here in the Pacific Northwest. An interest of mine is to share respect, knowledge and appreciation of the native plants and cycles that surround us. The rock molded vessels I make remind me of the water cycle as it trickles over and through plants, down streams made of rock and silt and clay to the sound. Each piece is hand built and one of a kind. There are many steps involved in the process. I find that “getting to know” clay is a great pleasure! After it comes out of the bag, it begins to dry and during each stage of dryness, there are different opportunities and challenges to get it to mold to your vision. Before glazing, I use slips, under glazes and stains to enhance the texture and define the features. All my pottery is food safe and can be washed in the dishwasher; though you’ll want to hand wash some pieces.