Working with clay has been part of my life since 1992, and after more than three decades at the wheel, I believe the most beautiful things begin in their simplest form: hands, clay, water, and fire. My work centers on functional pottery—pieces meant to be held, used, and enjoyed every day—while exploring movement, form, and layered glaze techniques making each piece uniquely its own. I value process over production. The joy is in the making—in slowing down, solving problems, refining technique, experimenting with glaze, and allowing each piece to develop its own character. That mindset has shaped both my work as an artist and my approach to teaching.

My professional career in psychology and higher education profoundly shaped my approach to clay. My work focuses on helping people grow, learn, and realize their potential, and I see the same quiet transformation in every lump of clay. With patience, thoughtful guidance, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected, something ordinary becomes something both beautiful and useful.

A lifelong learner I studied under many talented ceramic artists, each leaving a fingerprint on my throwing style. Most recently, I completed intensive study at La Meridiana in Italy with Lena Butschek and Peter Montgomery, an experience that reinforced my belief that there is always another technique to refine and lesson to learn.

As an instructor, I teach by breaking complex skills into their simplest forms. My background in teaching and learning taught me that every student arrives with different strengths, questions, and goals. I strive to create an environment that is encouraging, practical, and patient, using demonstration, conversation, and hands-on guidance to help each student discover not only *how* to make pottery, but *how they* make pottery.

My hope is that students leave my classes with more than a finished pot. If they leave with muddy hands, a little more confidence, and the irresistible urge to say, “I’ll just make one more,” then we’ve both had a successful day.

Sincerely,

Dr. Heather Wende