The Rugged Pacific Northwest Is This Ceramicist's Greatest Muse

For ceramicist Natasha Alphonse, the environment is her greatest muse. Crafting functional pottery and large-scale vessels, Alphonse has long been inspired by the rugged Pacific Northwest landscape and its moody climate. Recently, her creative context experienced a major upgrade as she moved into a new backyard studio designed by local architecture firm GO'C. LUXE checked in with Alphonse to learn more.

Why did you decide to build your own studio?

I rented studio space for many years and slowly daydreamed about the things that would be important in my own creative space, natural light being a big one. We built the studio behind our home in West Seattle. The space is very open with large windows and feels like I am making pots outside, which is my favorite part.

What are the inspirations behind your work?

The landscape and nature are my main inspirations. I love living here in the Pacific Northwest; the ocean and mossy rainforests are just insanely beautiful. It gets me really excited to get into the studio after being surrounded by beauty like that.

Can you share your process with us?

My favorite clays are sandy stoneware clay bodies, and I make some simple neutral glazes that are usually just on the interiors of my pieces. I want them to feel stony and earthy, so I like to leave the outsides bare and sand them smooth at the very end. I use an atmospheric firing process, and sometimes I fire in a wood kiln, which creates a wide range of surfaces. This method feels more like a collaboration with the fire.

What’s next?

I’m developing a new line of work using white slips and glazes made from wood ash. It’s a long process of testing, and the work is always evolving, with so many possibilities to explore. That’s the best part of ceramics: There are endless paths to wander down.