13 Ceramic and Stoneware Makers Redefining the Game
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your morning coffee ritual with the perfect mug, or searching for decorative dishes you can proudly display in your kitchen, handmade ceramics and stoneware are a great option.
But the modern ceramic category goes beyond your average dish-ware; the medium lends itself to an almost unlimited amount of variation.
Today's most innovative artists can be found showcasing their work on social media.
Here are some of the most talented ceramic and stoneware makers and artists that you should follow on Instagram in 2022 and beyond.
@the.mudfairy
IG: @the.mudfairy
TikTok: @themudfairy
Website: themudfairy.com
The Mud Fairy is a name that suits Deba’s artistic style perfectly. Petite flowers and whimsical details would certainly be loved by all fairy folk; just as the fairies can be mischievous, so too are The Mud Fairy’s designs.
Mugs, bowls, and pitchers are hand formed with dimples and an uneven texture. Dainty flowers are meticulously painted by hand, while fancy mugs with frames depict hand painted stills of everyday life.
You'll also find some surprises, from bananas to bikinis, and countless other unexpected themes that nonetheless work beautifully together within the overall motif. Follow @the.mudfairy to stay in the loop with Deba’s latest designs and collections.
A Chat With Deba of @the.mudfairy:
Q: How long have you been creating ceramics?
A: September 18th will be my 2 year anniversary!
Q: What inspired you to start?
A: I was a first time mom, my daughter was about 1.5 at the time, and my whole existence revolved around her. I felt the need to try new things and have a small part of me be dedicated to just me. I mentioned to my husband once that I wanted to try pottery, so he thought it was a good idea to get me a wheel for my 30th birthday as a surprise. When he gave it to me, I remember thinking, what the heck am I supposed to do with this? I knew nothing about pottery or clay or anything related to it! Classes were still closed at the time due to covid, so I did a quick google search about the kind of clay I should use, then picked some up from a local pottery shop. I threw on the wheel that day for the first time ever, during my daughter's nap, and...that. was. it. Instant connection. I knew right then that my life would never be the same again. From that day on, I dedicated all of my spare time to teaching myself everything about the different clay bodies, throwing, handbuilding, glazing, and firing.
Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
A: Anything and everything. As soon as I realized that I can actually do that, I never felt uninspired.
Q: Where are you located?
A: I am located in Northern Virginia.
Q: Any favorite artists/makers you'd like to shout out that inspire you?
A: Not one that inspires my work specifically, but many I adore! @megbusacca inspires my life. So let's dedicate the shoutout to her! Follow her, her stories are everything!
Q: Any favorite materials or supply brands?
A: My favorite clay to work with is Porcelain, I use the brand Laguna Clay. My favorite glaze/underglazes are by Amaco and Mayco! My kiln is by L&L, it's the best. My pottery wheel that I don't use very often anymore is also by Amaco.
@tonidarlingfrankk
IG: @tonidarlingfrankk
TikTok: @tonidarlingfrank
Website: tonidarlingfrank.com
Toni is an artist from Toronto who focuses on translating textile-inspired patterns to glazed clay pieces. Often hand painted, her pieces include plates, vases, mugs and much more - including the occasional smaller items like earrings. As she describes in her interview with HiBeam (below), the link to textile design is no accident; and instead comes from a somewhat serendipitous access to a kiln.
As Toni describes it, after gaining access to a kiln through the studio she was renting, inspiration struck and she decided to try porting her sketches and designs into functional clay form - and thus her ceramics business was born. Most designs come from her sketchbook - and are inspired by her personal travels, visits to museums, and time in nature. Each piece is "perfectly imperfect" and thus one of a kind.
A Chat With Toni of @tonidarlingfrankk:
Q: How long have you been creating ceramics?
A: I started creating ceramics in March of 2020 after renting my own studio space. I had taken a few group courses learning basic ceramic practices in 2016 but didn’t get into it seriously until last year.
Q: What inspired you to start?
A: I had rented the studio space with intentions to create textile work, but after realizing I had access to a kiln I decided to explore a little with clay. I became curious about creating functional vessels decorated with patterns that could be seen in the textile world.
Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
A: I draw a lot of inspiration from nature, traveling, museums and textiles! Lately I’ve been inspired by my sketchbook which has travelled with me over the last several months to Colombia, Arizona, and Western Canada.
Q: Where are you located (State or Country Level)?
A: I live in Toronto, Canada.
Q: Any favorite materials or supply brands?
A: I work mostly with stoneware clay and a variation of underglazes that I mix to find my perfect palette.
Q: Anything else you want to add?
A: All of my pieces are made with the intention of being and looking handmade. I find a lot of beauty in imperfection, and focus on putting a lot of good energy into the pieces I create in hopes that it brings a lot of joy to those whose hands they end up in. :)
@posyceramics
IG: @posyceramics
TikTok: @posyceramic
Website: https://posyceramics.bigcartel.com/
Emily produces small batch ceramics in funky, y2k inspired designs - smileys, clouds, fruit, and much more. What started as an apartment hobby has turned into a thriving business complete with a dedicated studio space (currently in Istanbul, soon to be in Australia) with regular drops that sell out to a worldwide audience.
From cheery morning coffee from a mug, to a groovy afternoon drink from her "summer tumbler", Emily's got you covered and will keep you smiling. Most of her content is focused on the pieces themselves, with the occasional glimpse into the life of a ceramics entrepreneur.
A Chat With Emily of @posyceramics
Q: How long have you been creating ceramics?
A: 2 years this coming October ! The first year was spent in the spare room of my apartment and I’ve now had my own Studio space for just over a year now.
Q: What inspired you to start?
A: During the lockdowns within 2020 living in Istanbul Turkey, we had pretty strict lock-ins and curfews and I turned to ceramics as a way to be creative and productive over this time. I intended to start purely as a hobby and maybe make some sets for myself and gifts! But once I got started I couldn’t stop! I would spend hours in the spare room of my flat making and sculpting and painting and watching a raw piece of material turn into a function art piece - I was obsessed!
Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
A: I draw a lot of my inspiration from bold patterns with a little mix of pastel! I like my pieces to look loud and exciting and I draw a lot of inspiration from motifs like the smiley face and Yin Yang - you could say they are the perfect blend of cottage core / y2k 2000s concept.
Q: Where are you located?
A: Istanbul, Turkey. But as of December Posy will be relocating to Australia.
Q: Any favorite artists/makers you'd like to shout out that inspire you?
A: I am inspired by so many creatives I don’t even know where to start! Some of my fellow ceramic artists killing it are - @birkimbags @hotelceramics @female.alchemy @fromtreetosea @myo.ceramic @bigjugsabi @the.mudfairy
Q: Any favorite materials or supply brands?
A: I am a sucker for a bold under glaze - some of my favourites are from the Amaco Velvets and the Mayco Fundamental Blues and Greens are something else !!
@yehheeceramics
IG: @yehheeceramics
Website: yehheeceramics.com
Ceramics don’t have to be glazed in brown and look like they are made of clay. Yehjee is a great example of the creativity of ceramics with her colorful, whimsical designs.
Based in Seoul, South Korea, this father-daughter team makes handmade designs that will bring out your happy inner child. From wobbly, textured mugs painted with flowers to smiley face bowls and polka dot spoons, the ceramic items on Yehjee’s Instagram are sure to brighten your day every time you check your feed. Send them a DM or visit the website to purchase a piece of your own!
A Chat With Yehjee of @yehheeceramics
Q: How long have you been creating ceramics?
A: Yehhee Ceramics is run by father and daughter, and we have been creating ceramics for about a year and a half.
Q: What inspired you to start?
A: Before I started working on ceramics I was doing some illustration works, which made me interested in creating different patterns and playing with fun and bright colors. My dad is great with working with hands and loves creating art so I thought it would be fun to collaborate with him and ceramics turned out to be the best choice.
Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
A: We mainly like to create things based on our intuition, but we also get inspirations from different objects surrounding us, nature and different forms of art such as fashion and illustrations.
Q: Where are you located?
A: We are located in Seoul, Korea.
Q: Any favorite artists/makers you'd like to shout out that inspire you?
A: I really appreciate Kiwi Poca (@kiwipoca ) and Limi Alone's (@limi.alone) ceramics.
@wildingceramics
IG: @wildingceramics
Website: wildingceramics.com
Leah of Wilding Ceramics finds inspiration in rocks, trees, wind, sky, water, and wildlife. As a true artist, she creates beautiful renderings of nature (both flora and fauna) that would be right at home on any canvas - but they’re on ceramic instead! Best of all, Leah's work is driven by the mission of conservation (read more on that in the interview below).
From bees to elephants and wildflowers to cabin scenes, you'll find a wide variety of ceramic mugs to appreciate. With ceramic panels and limited edition cards in the works, there are multiple reasons to give Wilding Ceramics a follow.
A Chat With Leah of @wildingceramics
Q: How long have you been creating ceramics?
A: I had taken a class pre-pandemic in 2019 but didn't really dive into it until 2020. The silver lining of the last 2 and a half years was that I had a lot of time to practice pottery.
Q: What inspired you to start?
A: I had always been fascinated by ceramics. It got to the point where I was dreaming about wheel throwing which I took as a sign to find a local pottery class and sign up. It was one of the best decisions I ever made and I encourage everyone to do the same!
Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
A: Every ounce of inspiration I have is wrapped up in the rocks, trees, wind, sky, water and wildlife that I have visited and interacted with over my life.
Growing up and still to this day, my fondest memories have taken place outdoors - camping in Canadian Provincial Parks, spending summers in Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula and eventually venturing west to Jasper National Park and finding a home in Calgary Alberta. When I started exploring ceramics, I wanted to share this love of the outdoors with others because I was so inspired by it all.
Q: Where are you located (State or Country Level)?
A: I am based in Calgary, Alberta in Canada.
Q: Any favorite artists/makers you'd like to shout out that inspire you?
A: Jolene Hewison of @river.ceramics is incredibly inspiring. Her work feels like it truly sprung from the earth itself.
Jackie Chapman of @jak.naturaldesigns is an incredible maker. She creates wood sculptures, vases, bowls etc. Her work feels like it's alive, moving and breathing. It is so breathtaking.
So so many wildlife photographers - @paulnicklen and @mitty, @lisa.photos.adler and so many more.
Q: Any favorite materials or supply brands?
A: I am lucky enough to live close to Plainsman Clays which is a ceramic manufacturer in Medicine Hat Alberta. I primarily use their clays and feel they are world class. I also am a super fan of Amaco Brent's Velvet Underglaze line as I wouldn't be able to create my mugs without them.
Q: Anything else you want to add?
A: Wildlife conservation is a big part of my business and ceramic practice. My conservation series features threatened, endangered or extirpated species and 100% of the proceeds is donated to wildlife conservation efforts.
I feel strongly that to think as a global citizen, each of us need to figure out how we can offer aid in a time where we are dealing with monumental threats like climate change and a biodiversity crisis. Instagram has given me a platform to not only share my ceramic work, but also bring light to some incredible conservation organizations.
@fubsies
IG: @fubsies
TikTok: @fubsies
Website: fubsies.co.uk
While some ceramic pieces have a lot of character, @fubsies pieces ofter are characters themselves! Meet Jumbo for example. Or Dr. Butterfill, a butter dish with a personality of its own. Fubsies come from the mind and hand of Ruth - a full time maker based in the U.K. who brings to live these charming creations.
A long-time fan of illustration and animation, Ruth offers wheel thrown pieces in limited runs of 30. Each piece is meant to last a lifetime - as the Fubsies website describes it, creating special items that break away from mass production and mass consumption. Fun fact - even the process is intentionally as sustainable as possible: pieces are made using earthenware clay, which fires at a lower temperature than other clays, and uses less energy to fuel the fire. Follow @fubsies for unexpected characters (a glittery hotdog!), process videos, and even some fun behind-the-scenes peaks at the studio in progress.
A Chat With Ruth of @fubsies
Q: How long have you been creating ceramics?
A: I have been playing with clay on and off since I was about 9 years old, and I have been creating ceramics full time for around 2 years.
Q: What inspired you to start?
A: I was inspired to start by meeting successful ceramicists and realising I could turn my hobby into a full time venture if I put my mind to it. I was keen to become a freelance artist and had tried lots of different mediums but ceramics just felt right for me. I set up my business in the first U.K. Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. I was suddenly given the gift of a lot of free time which allowed me some headspace to set up my business, something which I don't think would have happened so quickly if it wasn't for the pandemic.
Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
A: I mainly draw inspiration from the world around me and love looking at animals and food for inspiration. I also love illustration and animation and like to try and replicate these illustrative styles in a 3D way.
Q: Where are you located?
A: I am located in Bristol, U.K.
Q: Any favorite artists/makers you'd like to shout out that inspire you?
A: I love work of the ceramicists The Forest Mori (@theforestmori) and Natkoko Studio (@natkoko.studio). Also the illustrators Claire Shorrock (@claireshorrock) and Furuyan Pon (@furuyan.pon).
Q: Any favorite materials or supply brands?
A: I use a lot of underglazes so a big shout out to Amaco and Spectrum for making such amazing colours! I get all my clay from suppliers based in Stoke-on-Trent which is the home of ceramics in U.K. so I can highly recommend any company from that area. They are all incredibly knowledgeable and have a hundred years of expertise if you ever need any help.
Q: Anything else you want to add?
A: To anyone considering giving ceramics a go I would say do it! Do a workshop, take part in a course and give it a try. It is one of the most therapeutic and rewarding practices and I think there is something so simple and enjoyable about squeezing mud to make something functional which you can keep and use forever.
@booboo.clay
IG: @booboo.clay
TikTok: @booboo.clay
Website: boobooclay.com
Sarah from Boo Boo Clay produces an eclectic mix of food-safe pieces; mugs, ash trays with friendly reminders ("where focus goes, energy flows"), even tarot card adorned trays and delicate, handmade pendants.
If you want to learn more about the art, you can also check out Sarah's YouTube channel where she shows basic techniques for making ceramic mugs at home. Boo Boo Clay has some great content mixed into instagram as well. Worth the watch is this cozy video of a Boo Boo Clay mug making its way to serve its purpose (being filled with the most beautiful coffee creation ever).
A Chat With Sarah of @booboo.clay
Q: How long have you been creating ceramics?
A: I started in May 2021
Q: What inspired you to start?
A: I used to paint when I was younger, I stopped in 2010 when I started my degree in Hospitality, and after that, it didn't feel right to hold a brush anymore. When I went for my final internship in Thailand, I registered on an app called "Meet up". I was hoping to make new friends & try something new, so I signed up for a pottery workshop and this is when I fell in love with the art of pottery. I took it to another level only last year. I bought 25kg of clay, opened a new IG account, and just started making mugs 😅
Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
A: I am not sure about that, to be honest ... from life I guess.
Q: Where are you located (State or Country Level)?
A: I am from Reunion Island but I live in Bangkok, Thailand
Q: Any favorite artists/makers you'd like to shout out that inspire you?
A: Jeremy Bellina (@jeremy.bellina) / Leah Kaplan Studio (@leahkaplanstudio) / Dominique Ostuni (@droseos)
Q: Any favorite materials or supply brands?
A: Keane Ceramics for their amazing clay quality.
@tookaclay
IG: @tookaclay
TikTok: @maayansarts
Website: tookaart.shop
Maayan is the multidisciplinary maker behind TOOKA ceramics. This Israel based painter and ceramicist produces beautiful mugs, jewelry trays and more - all available on her online shop.
If you want to learn how to make pieces at home yourself, Mayaan offers a well-reviewed online course teaching how to create your own handmade ceramic pieces without a wheel, using only your hands and a few simple tools. You can find the course here. Read on for a quick chat with Mayaan!
A Chat With Mayaan of @tookaclay
Q: How long have you been creating ceramics?
A: When I was a kid, I used to create ceramics, but I got back into it about 3 years ago.
Q: What inspired you to start?
A: I have always loved to create, since I was a young girl. When I wish for something to exist, I try to make it myself.
Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
A: From so many places. Nature, fashion, art of all kinds, and people around me.
Q: Where are you located (State or Country Level)?
A: I live in Israel.
Q: Any favorite artists/makers you'd like to shout out that inspire you?
A: There are so many, Bettunika (@bettunika), The Mud Fairy (@the.mudfairy), Salkeramik (@salkeramik) and more!
Q: Any favorite materials or supply brands?
A: I really like using stroke and coat's wonder glaze.
Q: Anything else you want to add?
A: I hope to continue creating and make people's life more colourful and happy
@whiteloft.ceramics
IG: @whiteloft.ceramics
TikTok: @whiteloft.ceramics
Website: https://whiteloftceramics.com/
Whiteloft Ceramics was established in 2020 by Amanda Payette, the creator and maker behind all things seen on her IG and website. Whiteloft is all about minimalist aesthetic, with soothing and soft design choices and deliciously inviting colors with names like Peach, Sage and Vanilla Bean.
Amanda describes her process and how each piece is about more than just the end result:
"My goal is to continue to create functional pottery. Ceramic pieces that we can use every day. I love making mugs the most. Each step from throwing the mug to attaching the handles is so therapeutic and rewarding once it’s all finished."
Functional beauty means that these pieces last - and are intended to work both on their own, or as part of collections.
"My creations are timeless and allow all of my customers to build their collections and pass down pieces through the years and bring a sense of warmth to each home that buys my ceramics."
Follow @whiteloft.ceramics for more beautiful work.
@glazemepretty
IG: @glazemepretty
TikTok: @glazemepretty
Website: glazemepretty.com
@glazemepretty is run by Raquel, the U.K. based artist behind the soft and pleasing pieces. Many of her works feature crystalline glazes - resulting in a sparkling, signature look on everything from spoon rests to travel mugs. My personal favorite are these oversize beauties.
Follow @glazemepretty for a truly special selection of handmade items, many of which can be purchased on glazemepretty.com. While you're there, enjoy some of the packing and process videos that are sprinkled among the art. Who knows, you might just catch your next butter dish as it comes to life!
A Chat With Raquel from @glazemepretty
Q: How long have you been creating ceramics?
A: I started with evening classes in 2016.
Q: What inspired you to start?
A: I was looking for a hobby at the time and the first season of The Great Pottery Throwdown inspired me to sign up to pottery classes.
Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
A: I create what I'm drawn to personally, simple and clean forms, soft colours and glazes with interesting effects.
Q: Where are you located?
A: United Kingdom.
Q: Any favorite artists/makers you'd like to shout out that inspire you?
A: José Mariscal Paneque, Matt Horne, Matthew Blakely, Lisa Hammond, Mike Stumbras.
Q: Any favorite materials or supply brands?
A: Stoneware PF560
@nicolamoorestudio
IG: @nicolamoorestudio
TikTok: @nicolamoorestudio
Website: nicolamoorestudio.com/shop
This California-based artist channels her magic into a dynamic and vibrant portfolio of ceramic pieces. Nicola's work embodies the fantastic, the organic, and the cosmic - in her one of a kind glazed creations. Some are functional, others are purely for display.
Read on as Nicola chats with us about her wide range of artistic influences.
A Chat With Nicola of @nicolamoorestudio
Q: How long have you been creating ceramics?
A: I did my first ceramics class around 7 years ago… But it’s been about 5 years of obsessive, full time ceramics binging.
Q: What inspired you to start?
A: At the time I was doing a lot of large paintings in ink and encaustics. I always love to try new things, so a pottery class seemed like a fun thing to do when the opportunity presented itself! I definitely didn’t expect how much I would fall in love with it. At the beginning I really enjoyed the functional aspect, and being able to make anything useful I could think of. And the absolute endless directions you can explore in ceramics have kept me inspired and excited, especially color and glazing. I’m feeling a shift back to wanting to create more display based art, and this is a really exciting medium for that also, especially when you start mixing other mediums and materials into your process.
Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
A: The most common place I look for inspiration is in my past work. Because I love to experiment, there are always areas of play that are just waiting for more exploration, and so many points to pick up from. I also absolutely love to travel, and find any time we take a trip to a new destination I often come back with ideas. Even looking back through past photos of interesting places I’ve visited can really spark inspiration.
Q: Where are you located?
A: Pasadena, California.
Q: Any favorite artists/makers you'd like to shout out that inspire you?
A: I find the artists that often inspire me the most are based in mediums other than ceramics. Often surprising ones. Here are a few. Jessicayoungart - does amazing abstract paintings. @Kellywitmer - really cool use of glass with ceramics who has inspired and taught me a lot lately! @socialspreads - amazing tasting platters and art made with food! @tammykanat - stunning fiber art and use of color. @paperludus - Really cool creations collaging with paper! These are just a few that jumped into my mind, but there really is an endless stream of inspirational art being produced out there.
Q: Any favorite materials or supply brands?
A: I love Midnight Ceramics glazes. They’re a small batch glaze company run by the super knowledgeable glaze wizard, Ryan Rakhshan, who has helped me decode many a magic kiln fairy moment into science. I also love Diamond Core Tools, and Laguna Clay as they’re my local suppliers, and have an insanely large glaze offering.
Q: Anything else you want to add?
A: I think it’s super important to follow your inspiration, and listen closely to your intuition. It’s so easy to get caught up in all the ‘shoulds’ of this life, but the important path is the one that sparks excitement, and allows you to create in whatever way feels good to you.
@wingedpupa
IG: @wingedpupa
TikTok: @wingedpupa
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/wingedpupa
Imperfectly perfect ceramics are made by Ekin of @wingedpupa. Each one-of-a-kind mug is made individually and infused with love. Hand painted designs include nature-inspired elements, like lemons and cacti, but you'll also find things like smiling suns and abstract lines on her ceramic cups.
The details are where the Winged Pupa’s designs really stand out. Follow the shop on Instagram and you'll find funky twisted handles and pottery that is glazed with special handwritten messages.
@svenceramics
IG: @svenceramics
TikTok: @svenceramics
Website: svenceramics.com
If you love the look of dreamy, organic designs, look no further than Sven Ceramics. Partners in business and life, Sven brings his passion for creating forms, shapes, and textures with his hands, while Mallie's eye for detail and experience with photography has been the inspiration behind her glazing process.
Mugs and plates feature smoky, organic lines akin to Japanese brushstroke—just with more color. Metallic moons, lightening, and wispy mountains peek through a rainbow of colors. Follow Sven Ceramics to be awe-inspired by their designs and to keep up-to-date with their latest releases.
