Lindsay Oesterritter’s simple stoneware pieces are made for everyday use, but they feel and look like something special.
The artist: A Louisville native, Oesterritter studied ceramics at the University of Louisville and Utah State University, where she earned a master’s degree in fine arts.
The company: Lindsay Oesterritter Ceramics started in Manassas, Va., in 2015. The full-time potter works out of her home studio and has wood-fired kiln in the back yard. The kiln was built with the help Jason Vulcan (her husband), Ted Neal, a friend and kiln builder, and clay artist Ken Lu.
The goods & materials: Functional ceramic wares, mostly unglazed.
Goods are formed with stoneware clay, a type of clay that is very durable and fired to a temperature making it food safe, microwavable and dishwasher safe.
A company in Louisville makes her clay recipe.
What’s popular: Mugs ($60); juicers ($100); ramen and pasta bowls ($80); oval vase ($280); and salt cellars ($35, which chef Ryan Roadhouse bought for his Nodoguro restaurant in Portland.
Other favorites: Pourers ($85); dessert bowls ($60); and serving bowls ($350).
The process: Before she starts any form, Oesterritter sketches it from all sides. She also considers its size and how a piece will be used. Then she makes two- to five prototypes before fine-tuning the forms.
Inspiration: Everyday surroundings ranging from worn leather and river stones to retired industrial objects.
Claim to fame: Her new book, “Mastering Kilns and Firing.” Drawing on years of experience and interviews with fellow wood-fire potters, she offers tips and techniques on raku, pit, barrel and wood firing.
What’s new: Working on new pieces for a solo show called “Orientation” at the Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg, Fla. in May.
Where to buy: Loceramics.com, where you can also sign up for hew newsletter.
Get social at: Lindsay Oesteritter on facebook and alindsayo on Instagram and the new IGTV.
