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My name is Dakota Dube and my journey in pottery began as a simple requirement for my STEM degree, a surprising start that uncovered a lifelong passion for functional art. Before then, I never considered myself an artist, I cared little about aesthetic, but after my first pottery class I was hooked. Pottery is a way that allows me to express myself and truly create. Often, I’ll put on music to match the feeling of the moment, letting my mind wander while my hands naturally sculpt the clay. There's something primal about this ancient artform that I just can't get enough of.
My favorite medium is porcelain—a beautiful, buttery-smooth clay body that offers both challenge and reward on the wheel. Its texture allows me to create a high volume of pieces while exploring new forms and techniques. One of my signature finishing techniques involves slathering a whipped-cream consistency clay slip onto wet mugs, giving each a unique, textured grip that feels as good as it looks.
In my private studio, I have all the tools needed to bring each piece to life: a standing wheel, an industrial extruder, a slab roller, and a glaze studio stocked with powdered salts and minerals to make glazes in house. My glazes, crafted from scratch, incorporate oils to produce dramatic color variations, with each piece revealing new facets through its unique absorption rates.
Beyond Pottery Forge
I teach at the Wynne Home Pottery Studio, repair kilns, and actively participate in community events like Empty Bowls. My hope is to create pieces that blend art with function, inspiring others to see and feel the value of handmade art in their daily lives. Each item I craft holds a bit of my story, my process, and my passion for what pottery can bring to the world.