HANDMADE CERAMICS
by Chad Corbin

my work

My work is inspired by eastern pottery traditions and heavily informed by tea ceremony. I use both hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques to create unique work that celebrates the beauty of imperfection.

My firing method depends on the type of form, glaze and desired result. I fire primarily in gas kilns for specific glaze effects, but will occasionally in electric kilns when appropriate. I prefer woodfiring for the inherent variation it imparts, despite the great effort required and the high loss rate. Those that survive a woodfire bear the scars of their difficult journey, making them ever more unique and beautiful.

My work has been selected for the KC Clay Guild Teabowl National in 2022-2025, I have exhibited in the NoBo Arts District Bus Stop Gallery and have had work in several juried shows including the 2025 New England Wood Firing Conference.

REsidencies

In 2025, I spent two months at Starworks as an Artist In Residence where I learned how to work with unprocessed local clays and woodfired work made during my time there.

In the fall of 2026, I will travel to Shigaraki, Japan and spend 3 months as an Artist In Residence at the Shigaraki Ceramics Cultural Park building large woodfired sculptural forms, learning about regional clays, styles and firing methods. Help support my residency at GoFundMe.

Support Me

About me

I'm a Boulder, CO based potter who discovered clay after a "date night" with my partner at the local pottery studio. I was immediately hooked and started researching different traditions. I fell in love with Japanese pottery, and in particular, the irregular and sculptural nature of the Mino-style teabowls from the 16th century. I have been learning everything I can about Japanese forms, materials and methods since.

At Groundworks Art Lab, I teach both hand-building and wheel-throwing classes, including classes focused on teaware (teabowls and teapots) and workshops on Raku-style chawan.

Since 2022, I have been working in Kazu Oba's studio, assisting with studio chores and learning his methods and process. Working with Kazu has allowed me to hone my skills in an apprentice-like environment.

Contact Me

PURCHASing WORK

My work is currently available for sale in my Etsy store and through occasional pop-up sales. Some ceremonial teaware is not currently listed on Etsy, but can be viewed upon request. Contact me if you are interested.

I am currently in a making cycle, with firings planned for late March, mid-April and late April. Additional work will be made available at that time.

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