Rita Mandoli

Pottery

I’ve been making my Useful Pottery since 2012, in our woods of madrone, douglas fir and ocean spray, a nest of nature in Port Townsend. Pleasing shape and bright, elegant glazes to attract the eye and always a comfortable handle or feel in the hand is my goal. I throw pots for a few months before switching to glaze and color. I have favorite glaze combinations like Caribbean blue and orange papaya on the brighter side, and more earthy tones on red clay. Only after opening the kiln after glaze firing do the final colors appear, so it’s always like Christmas.

My pottery is all unique. I make nesting sets of bowls in varying sizes. but always wish I produced more quantity. My mugs range in shape and size and their handles vary along with the glazes. I like selling my pottery in person so I can see what each person chooses; which handle fits their hand. I don’t sell online or in stores because watching my customers choose their favorites is part of the pleasure of creating.