Michelle Schneider Pottery

Inspired by the majesty of the Western United States, I focus on concise design, quality of form, and subtle, earthy finishes to create pottery that captures the inspiration, serenity and sincerity of nature. The pottery is thrown on an electric wheel, using stoneware clay. Functional pots are trimmed, bisque fired, and glazed, using hand mixed glazes in an earthy, calm palette. They are fired to Cone 6 or Cone 9. Alternative fired pots are burnished twice and fired in a metal barrel, using layers of straw, pine needles, chicken manure, copper and salts to achieve a beautiful organic surface.

I started in clay at Bonners Ferry High School in 1989. I took a break to marry my high school sweetheart and start a family. In 2010 I began lessons with Adam Scoggin, of Blue Heron Pottery. Adam spent 3 summers at Pond Farm, learning from Marguerite Wildenhain. Marguerite taught her students the strict discipline she learned as one of the first woman potters at the Bauhaus in Germany. Adam passed these lessons onto me. I threw pots for an entire year and didn’t keep any. He then taught me about glazing and firing. Adam has become a close friend.

I am continuously stretching to express myself in clay, and searching for ways to bring my pottery to the public. The best way to enjoy clay is to share it!

michelleschneiderpottery.com                                                                                             

Cheney, WA