Samantha Gaudette is a functional potter crafting a collection of modern, heirloom-quality, handbuilt stoneware pottery in Limington, Maine. In 2023 during introductory handbuilding courses with ceramicists Lori Watts and Anne Willett at Portland Pottery, she discovered a profound sense of grounded creativity in clay.

A defining characteristic of Samantha’s work is the exclusive use of handbuilding: the process of shaping clay without a potter’s wheel. Samantha particularly favors slab building, where each piece is built from flat slabs of clay, shaped using hand-cut templates, and assembled edge by edge. While no two pieces are identical, Samantha’s designs lend themselves wonderfully to pairing and household collections.

Artist Statement

I savor the small, simple moments in life – watching the steam rising from my first cup of coffee in the morning, the earthly smell permeating after a rain shower, the hissing sound of snow as it falls to the ground.  As such, my handbuilt pottery explores the intersection of the organic and the minimal.  Each piece is understated, allowing the inherent beauty of the clay and the subtle nuances of form to speak for themselves. Rooted in function, these objects are designed for everyday use, bringing a touch of handcrafted warmth to daily rituals.

Color plays a vital role in my work, as I often draw inspiration from both the muted and vibrant hues found in nature. The texture of the clay, sometimes smooth and sometimes rough, adds a tactile dimension, inviting touch and connection.

Ultimately, these pieces are infused with a sense of joy. There is a playful element in the slight imperfections and the shaping: a reminder of the human hands that brought them into being.  It is my hope that the pieces I make today will be enjoyed for many years to come.