Red Tree Clay is the pottery studio of Sarah Stanley. I make functional porcelain pottery that’s designed for daily life.
Inspirations include old things that have their own stories, and the natural beauty of the Midwest. I incorporate both in my work, whether that be the patterns of leaves or using antique butter molds to create something new.
My Story
I’ve been a potter for 17 years. It began with a class in college where I was bitten by the “clay bug” and spent Saturdays and evenings in the studio. I returned to it during graduate studies, and I haven’t been able—or wanted—to shake it since.
I’ve been part of ceramics studios throughout the country and even Canada. The most significant being Lillstreet Studios in Chicago where I worked with the talented and patient Lisa Harris for many years.
I now work full time out of my home studio in suburban Chicago, where my two dogs keep me company and I can look at my backyard garden.
I make functional pieces out of porcelain that are designed to be used. Mugs are a favorite, as are bowls I create on the wheel. These past several years, I’ve incorporated more handbuilding in my work, whether that be crafting ornaments, platters, and having fun making magnets.
I hope for my work to be simple, elegant, usable, with an occasional touch of whimsy.
What’s in a name?
People often ask, “Why Red Tree Clay?” The simple answer is I love the deciduous trees of the Midwest, green in summer, red in fall.
The longer answer is that I wanted a name that evoked something to help see goodness in the everyday. For me, it is the beauty of creation, even on those cloudy grey days of a Midwestern winter. But it’s also the joy of getting to make and share my work. The idea that pottery is welcomed into people’s homes, bringing a little beauty with it is an incredible privilege.