About the Artist

Deb Schwartzkopf makes fabulous tableware that infuses life with purposeful beauty.

She was inspired by the guidance of amazing mentors along the way. These important relationships fostered her desire to engage and build community through clay. Her adventurous spirit has taken her across the country and beyond, building a depth of experience, knowledge, and a supportive network.

Seattle local, Deb Schwartzkopf, has worked in clay for over 20 years. After receiving an MFA from Penn State in 2005, Deb Schwartzkopf taught at OU, Mass. College of Art & Design, UW, as well as for the University of Georgia’s study abroad program in Cortona, Italy.  She participated in residencies at the Archie Bray Foundation (MT), Mudflat Studios (MA), the Clay Studio (PA), Watershed (ME), Red Lodge Clay Studio (MT), the Ceramics Workcenter in Berlin, Germany, and San Boa in Jingdezhen, China! Deb teaches and exhibits nationally and internationally.

Her artwork is included in collections such as the Kamm Teapot Foundation, San Angelo Museum, and the WA State Arts Collection, numerous publications including Ceramic Monthly, Pottery Making Illustrated, and Studio Potter Magazine, she has been recognized and honored in her career as a maker.

Deb established Rat City Studios in 2013 and Rain City Clay in 2022 with a mission to engage and build community through clay. RCS is her home and personal studio, as well as a creative space for multiple studio members working independently. In 2022, she opened a sister studio, Rain City Clay, in West Seattle. RCC is a community art center focusing on experiential learning through ceramics classes & workshops of all levels. She would like to acknowledge the amazing studio crew who have helped make all this happen! Ceramics Monthly Magazine awarded Deborah Schwartzkopf Ceramic Artist of the Year for 2019. Her book, Creative Pottery, features 192 pages of clay working techniques and was published in June 2020.