Plays In Mud Pottery
About
Meet Kelsey Schissel
I create functional pottery that’s as enjoyable to use as it is to look at—each piece is truly one of a kind. I work with clay sourced from The Village Potters in Asheville’s River Arts District and mix all of my own glazes to achieve my signature finishes. Most pieces begin on the potter’s wheel, then I hand-decorate the surface using small stamps that I design and make myself, adding detail one impression at a time. From there, every piece goes through a careful firing process: a bisque firing, glazing, and a final firing to bring it to life. From the first sketch to the finished work, some pieces in my signature collection take months to complete.
How a Love for Clay Became a Life’s Work
The Beginning…
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There wasn’t a single “beginning,” exactly—growing up around handmade objects was simply part of everyday life. But I do remember the moment I knew I wanted to be a potter. I was helping my dad, Lyle Wheeler (a master chair maker and blacksmith), at a craft show in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Outside, North Carolina heritage potters Glen and Lula Bolick were demonstrating on a kick wheel, and I was completely captivated. I watched for hours, and eventually Lula asked if I wanted to touch the pot she was making. I climbed onto the stool, reached out, and as my finger slid across the clay, something in me lit up—like electricity. In that instant, I knew I wanted to make pottery. From that day forward, I’ve been shaping my life around that calling.
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Now…
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The green and blue stemless wine glasses are still some of my favorite pieces to make—and it’s a good thing, because they’re also among my best sellers. When I think back to high school, daydreaming about becoming a potter, I didn’t really know what that dream would look like. I have a clearer picture now, but I’m still building it—continuing to learn, create, and craft the life of a ceramic artist, one piece at a time.
