Saltstone Ceramics

“I am a ceramic artist and educator working in West Seattle. I often go by my last name, Hanson! My passions are spending time with loved ones in the forests of Washington, crafting with clay or other mediums, and sharing my love of clay with youth and adults. As an instructor, I encourage emerging artists to take creative risks, learn through failure, and find joy in the act of self-expression.
I grew up in Auburn, Washington, spending time exploring the outdoors in the greater Puget Sound. Some of my earliest memories are from camping trips and hikes with my family near Mount Tahoma.
My first experiences with clay were in community studio classes in 2022. I am the Studio Manager at Rat City Studios, where I also do my personal studio work. I’m the Outreach Coordinator at Rain City Clay and an instructor of youth and adult classes.

My work delivers the user to the serenity of a lush forest. I create functional items like vases and trinket trays that bring tranquility into daily life. My work carries an invitation to pick flowers and collect items that bring you joy. I create trays to hold treasures from special adventures or gifts from beloveds. These are places to keep memories you want to hold dear. 

The shapes of daisies, tulips, ferns, poppy seed pods, and trailing leaves are seen in the forms and surfaces of my work. Carved plant motifs follow the organic shapes of vases and speak to the tenderness I see in myself that is reflected in the delicate world of flowers and ferns.

The acceptance of my own tenderness began in my role as a preschool teacher where I was taught to affirm and empathize with the feelings of young children. As a sensitive child shamed into hiding my own sad and upset feelings, it was incredibly meaningful for me as an adult to encourage children to express themselves fully.”