Meet Our Member: Davey White

Instagram @dvy_wht

When did you first fall in love with pottery?

I first discovered pottery in the fall of 2024. It all started when I enrolled in a four-week hand-building course at Ford City Potters. I stumbled upon FCP’s street sign one day. After that, something clicked while I worked with clay slabs. I realized that so many things could be made from this fascinating material. This experience opened my eyes to the depth of pottery as an art form. That's when I truly fell in love with it!

How has working with clay made a difference in your life?

Working with clay has transformed my life in many ways. Clay rewards mindfulness and requires me to be present in the moment to work successfully. It provides me with outlets for creativity and analytical thinking. Most importantly, it gives me a medium to make the objects I need or want. It’s simply amazing! I am taking clay—earth from the ground—and turning it into objects.

Each piece I create offers an opportunity to learn. I develop my skills through practice and create something beautiful and functional. It feels rewarding to shape something from mere earth into an item that holds purpose and beauty.

My Favorite Creations

A Functional Masterpiece

Functionally, my coffee dripper is my favorite piece. It allows me to brew coffee using my preferred method: pour over! After my last dripper broke, I decided to create my own. It has served me well since, and I haven’t looked back.

Stackable cups too, all handbuilt.

Aesthetic Inspirations

Aesthetically, I adore my Tom of Finland-inspired plates. They were inspired by my close friend and the empowering quality of Touko Laaksonen’s work resonates with me. I love how art can evoke emotions and challenge societal norms.

Tom of Finland inspired catchall.

Favorite tool?

Currently, my favorite tool is the XIEM Tools MR8 carving tool. I’m also a big fan of the slab roller. These tools help me refine my craftsmanship and explore new techniques.

Favorite clay?

While I remain loyal to my first choice—speckled clay—I’ve recently developed a fondness for red clay. Each type of clay offers unique properties that influence my creations.

Local Coffee Rituals

After nearly every pottery practice, I have a ritual at Chance Coffee. I love to enjoy a black coffee with a fresh croissant. These moments provide a break and a chance to connect with the friendly team at Chance.

Sounds of Creativity

When I work, I prefer listening to classical music or finger-style guitar covers. I also enjoy lo-fi or downtempo versions of video game music. Sometimes, I can be found absorbed in the Wheel of Time audiobooks, or quietly singing along to my latest playlist. These soundtracks enhance my creative process.

Future Goals in Pottery

Looking forward, I am eager to improve my underglaze painting and slip painting skills. I am also venturing into sgraffito carving in many of my pieces. Technically, I’m making objects that stack and those with galleries, like enclosed boxes with tight-fitting lids.

While I’m excited to develop my abilities on the pottery wheel, I am particularly keen to deepen my understanding of glazes. This area of ceramics is both an art and a science. It’s an exceptional application of the skills I developed as a chemical technologist.

Community Connections

What I cherish most about being a member of a pottery studio is the sense of community. It’s incredible to connect with other creators who share the joy of discovery and expression through their work. Witnessing their passion is inspiring and humbling. I am grateful for the insights I acquire by listening to their experiences and challenges.

Working together not only fosters a supportive environment but also encourages growth. We learn from each other and celebrate each other's successes. Being part of such a vibrant community enriches my pottery journey.

In conclusion, pottery has woven its way into my life in profound ways. The process of creating with clay is rewarding on many levels. It nurtures mindfulness, creativity, and social connections. I look forward to all the future holds as I continue to grow as a potter.