Deb Sullivan Pottery



Deb Sullivan Pottery

About The Artist

Deb Sullivan • Alameda, CA
Ceramics • WHOLESALE AVAILABLE • CUSTOM COMMISSIONS

Picture a Venn diagram with two overlapping circles. One circle contains cups and the other, art. That overlapping intersection is where I strive to place my pottery. A cup or a plate is a mundane object until it is imbued with art. Put it on a pedestal, or in a cupboard, but touch it often to understand and enjoy it. My pottery is described as "happy" and I see it makes people smile. I have been working with clay for over 30 years. In the last 3 years I transitioned from sculpture to pottery.



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Q&A with the Artist

Tell us how your work is made.

My pottery starts with a hand-rolled slab from a local red clay. Going local keeps my carbon footprint lower. I texture each slab with hand made stamps and rollers that are my own specific designs. Each piece is painted with Terra Sigillata when they are bone dry and I sgraffito flowers and shapes through layers of Terra Sigillata down to the clay. Terra Sigillata, meaning "sealed earth," is an ancient form of decoration using colorants combined with the finest particles of clay. After the pottery is initially bisque fired, I decorate with washes, underglazes, and glazes. Finally, I fire to a temperature that keeps my energy usage in my electric kiln low while still making the work strong. All pottery is food, dishwasher and microwave safe.


What makes you passionate about the medium you work with?

I believe in the ability of handmade pottery to elevate everyday life. Surrounding ourselves with human made objects of beauty allows for daily reflection and enjoyment. There are countless stories of people putting their hands into clay and never being able to put it down. The plasticity of the material allows for infinite ways to use it. I love how after over 30 years I am still excited and obsessed about my art practice.

What is something unique about you or your practice?

In a sea of beautiful earth-tone pottery, turn the corner and be delighted by my use of color. I believe in color and the joy and that brings. Every home needs a pop of color!