Where Clay Becomes Art
"Art is in the eye of the beholder" is a familiar saying, but in pottery, art is born through the transformation of clay itself. Each handcrafted piece begins as raw earth and is carefully shaped into work that reflects creativity, history, and personal expression
About Forever Clay
Handcrafted Art
I am a potter from Burnsville who enjoys using clay to create representations of historic buildings and forgotten places. Through handcrafted sculptures and ceramic artwork, I strive to preserve the character, memories, and stories of the past.
After living and working throughout the country with the National Park Service, my husband and I eventually retired to Burnsville. In 2017, I began my journey in ceramics through a beginner’s class, followed by an intensive course at Penland School of Craft and years of experimentation that helped shape my artistic style.
My love of history and years of travel inspired me to capture the emotions I felt when encountering neglected homes, barns, and abandoned farms. Fearing that the stories held within those places might one day be forgotten, I began pouring my heart into creating ceramic pieces that honor the past and help others remember it as well.
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The Story Behind Forever Clay
When I was 14 years old, my parents began transforming their farm into a Christmas tree farm.
They loved the work and proudly operated it for nearly 30 years under the name Forever Green Tree Farm. In honor of them and the life they built, I chose the name Forever Clay for my pottery business.
My father's love of history, farming, and nature shaped many of my own interests and eventually inspired me to become a park ranger. Through my work with the National Park Service, I had the opportunity to experience diverse landscapes, cultures, and historic places across the country.
When I began working with clay, handmade Christmas trees were my first creations to sell. As my skills and interests grew, I began incorporating my passion for history into my pottery.Historic buildings, abandoned homes, and old farms captured my imagination, inspiring me to create ceramic pieces that preserve their character and honor the stories they hold.
I also enjoy weaving clay to create baskets and decorative forms inspired by nature. Many of my functional pottery pieces feature designs drawn from trees, animals, flowers, and landscapes.
Together, history and nature remain at the heart of my work, providing endless inspiration for the pieces I create through Forever Clay.
What We Create
Sculptures
Handcrafted sculptures inspired by historic and abandoned buildings, created to preserve the stories and character of the past. Each piece reflects the charm of the “good old days” while honoring local history and inspiring future generations to appreciate and remember it.
Functional Pottery
Handmade dinnerware featuring nature-inspired designs, thoughtfully crafted for both beauty and everyday use. All glazes, underglazes, and transfers are carefully selected to ensure they are completely food safe.
Clay Weavings
Clay strips and coils are carefully woven by hand to create unique trays, bowls, and decorative pieces. Both functional and artistic, these woven clay forms can be used to hold fruit, organize papers, or add a handcrafted touch to any shelf or space.
Seasonal Collections
Handmade ornaments, magnets, mugs, and decorative pieces created to celebrate the beauty of each season and holiday. From festive winter designs to autumn-inspired décor, every piece is thoughtfully crafted to bring warmth, charm, and handmade character to your home year-round.
MADE WITH PASSION & CREATIVITY
Every piece at Forever Clay is handcrafted with care, artistry, and attention to detail.
Shaping the Clay
A variety of clay bodies are used to create each piece. Some projects are wheelthrown, while others are carefully handbuilt using clay slabs. Additional forms are created with strips and coils shaped through an extruder, allowing for unique textures, patterns, and woven designs.
Detailing and Crafting
Once the base structure is complete, the detailing process begins. Carving, adding textured enhancements, applying underglazes, and carefully refining each surface all help bring the piece to life before it is prepared for f iring.
Finishing the Artwork
Once each piece has completely dried, it is f ired in a bisque kiln at approximately 1900 degrees. Depending on the design and intended finish, selected pieces are then glazed and fired a second time at temperatures reaching approximately 2200 degrees, creating a durable and lasting finish.
