Sheila Miller

My introduction to clay began 10 years ago in Northern California. I fell in love with it from the start and sitting at a wheel and feeling the clay take the form you desire is one of the most rewarding and pleasurable experiences I had never imagined I could have, yet it was as if I had been waiting for it all my life.

I relocated to Santa Fe from Northern California over 2 years ago with my husband and our 2 pups. I was teaching classes at a studio there and I loved watching people fall in love with clay the way I did when I first began. In addition to teaching in California I have also taught at a local studio in Santa Fe as well as SFCC and hope to do more classes in the future.

I strive to create pieces with meaning that weave into our daily lives through use. Vases decorate our living spaces with character and whimsy. Mugs celebrate our morning coffee or tea drinking ritual with unique charm; bowls hold our daily meals; a tiny plate holds our treasures and decorates our space.

I find utilitarian pottery the best method to express my ideas. Although I have more recently begun to explore outdoor pieces with totems and lanterns. I want my pieces to be a reflection of our reality, our fantasy and our selves.

I make my pottery mainly out of porcelain clay. One of the things that attracts me to it, is it’s dichotomy; it is extremely soft and responsive in it’s raw form and when fired it becomes dense and strong. It alsoprovides the perfect “palette” for me to decorate.

My journey with clay continues to evolve which is one of the things that keeps me connected and wanting more, the possibilities seem endless and the challenges and rewards continue to keep me engaged. It has become a huge part of my life and a part that brings me much pleasure and enjoyment.