MEET THE MAKER

Clear Creek Pottery produces heritage-inspired artisan ceramics tailored for daily utilitarian use. Combining ergonomic craftsmanship with custom-formulated finishes, this Washington-based studio delivers robust, rustic tableware and culinary prep vessels built for enduring performance.

Steve Dalton learned pottery at Everett Community College in 1992. He tried the course as an elective for his Associate in Fine Arts. His original major was drawing but quickly changed after that first course.  And now, over 30 years later, always striving to be better at what he does, his process is refined and he works as a production potter creating ‘high fired’ functional handmade stoneware pottery for around the home or office.

Designing and creating all his own wares in his own unique voice, he does draw some inspiration from nature and from the potters of Colonial America where pottery was produced for daily needs around the home and farm, the early 20th century studio pottery revival of the British Isles and the simplicity of Medieval European pottery. Most noted inspiration in Steve’s work comes from Bernard Leach, Michael Cardew and Ray Finch.

His style beautifully melds all those elements to create his own unique wares. He believes it is the little things that count and he includes the hand crafted details in his work that most potters do not, making his work stand out from the rest. His handles are hand pulled from the pot or pulled as a strap and not extruded. He attaches a thumb rest to the handle of a coffee mug or pitcher to make it more comfortable when using. His colander holes are rounded and smooth on both sides. And his attention to functionality is further evident in all his baking pieces — made with flat bottoms for even cooking.

All pieces are 100% lead free, thrown on the potter’s wheel and fired to 2350° in a propane kiln.  The glazes used have been formulated to be durable for everyday use, are food safe, and are custom mixed by Steve. All pieces, unless noted in the description, are oven, dishwasher and microwave safe.