Shape & Color

I invent shapes and place colors to encourage curiosity and bring a sense of discovery to folks using my pottery.

I am inspired by the cycles and patterns of the bees and the garden I nurture. Unfurling petals of the magnolia relate expansive volume to me. And the inner workings of the beehives I tend show me connective complexity. I merge color signals from traffic signals with those I see in nature. These and many more details are distilled and abstracted into the gestures, line quality, and surfaces of my work.

It’s all about the journey

Creative Pottery by Deb Schwartzkopf:
This book is a beautifully illustrated guide that explores innovative handbuilding and wheel-throwing techniques, encouraging potters to develop their personal style. With step-by-step projects and inspiring artist features, it’s both instructional and creatively energizing.

320+ reviews on Amazon!
”One of the best project-based art books I have ever used. I really enjoyed Deb's personal story and her approach to ceramics. The book is a step-by-step look into her complex and biomorphic designs. She even supplies templates that folks can use to replicate the demonstrated products. She is generous with credit and showcases some very nice work by friends and colleagues.” ~ Ian Jones

Learn with me!

I teach all levels of clay classes – from introductory classes for those newer to ceramics to sharing signature techniques in online courses, from leading two-week travel excursion workshops abroad to online lectures with universities. I enjoy relating how my small business evolved, inspirations I draw on in the studio, and of course, clay working techniques for the wheel thrower or handbuilder alike!