Sydney Altizer

I use stoneware clay and a variety of glazes to create pottery that I like to call functional art. My current work is both wheel thrown and handbuilt, and commonly features bright colors, animals (especially cats!), bold texture, and creative designs. My work explores the transformation of raw clay into a work of art through a hands-on, tactile process.

The lengthy process of creating my functional art involves making the form from clay, trimming or refining, making and adding handles or other attachments, and also glazing the ware using a variety of decorative techniques. Each step is done at a precise time during the drying process of the clay, and is fired in a high temperature kiln between 2 to 3 times. 

Working with clay reconnects me to childhood—especially the experience of playing in the mud—and I carry that sense of curiosity and play into each piece. Texture is central to my practice; I build up playful, sometimes chaotic surfaces that create visual energy and invite closer attention. Drawing on nostalgia, humor, and whimsy, my work reflects the joy and strangeness of childhood memory. At its core, my practice is about chasing moments of simple delight—creating work that feels personal and quietly magical.

Learn more about Sydney by visiting her website or following her on Instagram.