I work in a 10′ x 12′ studio that sits in the woods by Lake Ellen, in Chapel Hill, NC. All of my production needs are met in this small space, from the collection and refinement of raw materials for glazing, to the making, storage, and firing of the pots.

I have two wheels, one is a customized electric wheel, the other is a kick wheel I designed for throwing while standing.

The kick wheel’s splash pan (that big red part at the top) doubles as support for two ware boards when it’s not in use. In the corner is my 10 cubic ft. electric kiln. It’s small, but it meets my needs well enough.

There’s room for a modest amount of clay under the sink (the rest I keep outside with my pugmill). I have separate storage spaces for my dry materials and my mixed slips and glazes.

Around back is the equipment for grinding rocks and glass into powders for incorporation into glazes. Behind that are drying beds.  I dig for red clay right around here, and refine it several different ways to achieve some of the surface effects on my pots.

A little goes a long way, the way I use it, so I don’t take much.

Once I refill the holes with their topsoil, you can’t even tell I’ve been there.