I focus on thoughtful design, quality of form, and subtle finishes to create pottery that expresses the nature of the materials. My work explores themes of strength in quietness, longevity, and innovation within the framework of tradition. I am fascinated with the serendipitous interaction of form, clay, glaze, and fire. I create depth of surface using textured clay, layered glazes, wild clay, wood ash, and fire and heat from the kiln. My pottery is thrown on a wheel or formed by hand. Functional pots are trimmed, bisque fired, and glazed using hand mixed glazes in an earthy, calm palette. Barrel fired pots are burnished and fired in a metal barrel, using layers of straw, pine needles, seaweed, copper, and salts to achieve a beautiful organic surface.
My pottery is the result of my creative thoughts, observations, curiosity, and experimentation. I labor to express myself with clarity, increasing my technical knowledge as my vocabulary. The full completion of the process occurs when the work is used and enjoyed.
Michelle spent her childhood hiking, camping, berry picking, wood gathering, skiing, and being immersed in the outdoors. Her first experience with clay was in high school.
A touchstone moment occurred in 2010. Michelle began learning studio pottery from Adam Scoggin of Blue Heron Pottery, in Cheney, Washington. Adam studied at Pond Farm with Marguerite Wildenhain. Marguerite taught her students the strict discipline and dedication she learned at the Bauhaus in Germany. Adam passed these lessons on to Michelle. He modeled how to create a life as a studio potter and was a close friend and mentor. Adam passed away in June 2023, and Michelle strives to honor his memory and keep his legacy alive.
Where Michelle has exhibited her pottery-
• Art on the Green, Coeur d’Alene,ID 2018, 2022, 2023,2025
• Juried Art Show Art on the Green, 3D category. 3rd place 2018, 1st place 2024
• Artfest, Spokane, WA 2023-2025
• Whitefish Arts Festival, Whitefish, MT 2024
• Yuletide, Spokane Art School, Spokane, WA 2024-current
• Entrée Gallery, Priest Lake, ID 2018-2024
• Pottery Place Plus, Spokane, WA 2012-2015, 2021-current
• Little Spokane River Artists Studio Tour, Spokane, WA 2023-current
• Slightly West of Spokane Studio Tour, Cheney, WA 2010-current, president 2018-present
• Cup of Joy show Trackside gallery, Spokane, WA 2023
• “Stoked” wood firing show Trackside gallery Spokane, WA March 2026