Philadelphia maker Jess Keene turns clay and vivid color into handmade ceramic goods for everyday use, from cheerful kitchen pieces to plant vessels. Drawing on industrial-design training, KEENE develops forms with CAD and 3D-printed models before casting plaster molds, giving the small studio’s playful shapes a precise, repeatable character. Its rainbow palette is inspired by sunshine, healing and Keene’s time living on St. John.
Suji CeramicsFrom a New York studio, Suji Ceramics turns a love of houseplants and pottery into handmade ceramic planters, jewelry, and small home goods. Ceramicist Suji began making her own planters after running out of distinctive homes for a collection that grew to more than 130 plants, and she still designs pieces around the beauty of the plants they hold. Every product is made from start to finish by Suji in New York, so each one carries the small variations of handwork and clay.
Neighborhood PottersIn Philadelphia’s Fairmount neighborhood, Sandi Pierantozzi and Neil Patterson make hand-crafted functional pottery designed for everyday rituals, with Neil’s altered wheel-thrown forms and Sandi’s textured, hand-built work giving the studio its distinctive character. Neighborhood Potters also teaches ceramics, hosts public events and showcases local makers, extending its role from working studio to community gathering place. The pair recycle every scrap of clay, use no lead or toxic glaze ingredients, and heat their recycled 1851 studio with residual kiln warmth in winter.PHILADELPHIA, PA
Felt+FatSince 2013, Felt+Fat has handcrafted porcelain tableware and home goods in its Philadelphia studio, where each piece is made to order by a team ranging from novices to master craftspeople. The Kensington company began by making dishes for some of the finest chefs in the United States and is best known for durable, colorful ceramics such as its hand-splattered Confetti collection. It builds its wares from domestically sourced materials and invests in fair wages, benefits, and a clean studio workplace.PHILADELPHIA, PA
DeLong CeramicsIn Williamsburg, Brooklyn, DeLong Ceramics makes hand-crafted ceramic art and gift pieces alongside printed collage artwork, all designed by Denise DeLong and her family. The studio’s work often turns New York City landmarks and everyday scenes into textured tiles, ornaments, coasters and signed collage prints, while custom tile projects have included public art for PS 398 Queens. Denise DeLong and Jon Elliott also share their ceramic knowledge through studio hand-building classes.BROOKLYN, NY