EMILY JO HORST
Emily is potter, based in Toledo, OH. She first became introduced to the craft at a young age when her grandmother purchased her a toy potters wheel for her birthday. From that moment on, clay weaved in + out of her life, but ultimately became her full-time focus over the past five years. Read more about Emily in our interview below.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from my hikes in the woods, other talented potters/artists, and the beauty of functional ware lifting and romanticizing the most ordinary moments of life.
What details do you enjoy working on when creating?
The details I most enjoy when creating are the small moments that can happen in just one square inch - the carved patterning on my mugs, the small crystals developed in glazes, and the fluidity of clay captured forever turning basically into glass covered stone.
How would you describe your ideal working environment?
My ideal working environment is not quite achieved in my tiny 88 square foot studio in my apartment, but once I am able to purchase a house I can certainly see it. A larger space with garage doors to open in warm weather, surrounded by gardens and woods in a secluded area where you never hear traffic. Not to say there wouldn't be some loud music and dancing here and there.
What does a typical day for you look like?
A typical day might include some teaching and studio management at The 577 Foundation, and plenty of hours spent in my personal studio throwing pots (my favorite part of the process) trimming, glazing, loading/unloading my kiln, or working on the administration/social media part of business. As a small business owner it really is a Jane of all trades occupation!
Who exposed you to pottery/clay/ceramics?
I was exposed to pottery early in life when my Grandmother bought a toy potters wheel for my 10th birthday. My Mother realized how much I liked it and signed me up for classes at the local potters guild. Since then I have enjoyed pottery here and there in my life but really decided to dedicate myself after graduating from The University of Toledo in 2018. I have been fully immersed in making, teaching and honing my skills as a potter for the past 5 years.
Follow along & see more of Emily’s work