Exploring the Earth: Our Wild Clay Workshop with Tina Meeks

Our studio had the incredible honor of hosting Tina Meeks of Quill Pottery — a gifted ceramic artist based in Cleveland, Ohio, whose work is deeply rooted in the land. Tina made the journey all the way to Salt Lake City with a truly special gift in tow: wild clay she harvested herself from the shores of Lake Erie.

From the moment she arrived, Tina filled the studio with her warmth, curiosity, and passion for earth-based ceramics. She led an immersive workshop that guided us through the fascinating process of transforming raw, naturally sourced clay into a workable material. We learned how to identify wild clay in nature, how to process and refine it by hand, and how to understand its unique quirks and character.

And then came the part everyone was excited for — working with Tina’s Lake Erie clay to create our own mugs, bowls, and pots. There was something grounding and magical about shaping clay that had been dug from a distant shoreline, carried across states, and shared with such generosity.

Tina was a wonderful teacher — thoughtful, knowledgeable, and incredibly encouraging. Her approach reminded us that clay isn’t just a material; it’s a relationship with place, history, and chemistry. The workshop left us inspired, energized, and more connected to the earth beneath our feet.

We’re already dreaming big. With Tina’s guidance echoing in our minds, we’re gearing up to start harvesting, processing, and creating with our own wild Utah clay. There’s so much beauty hidden in the soil around us, and we can’t wait to unearth it.

Thank you, Tina, for sharing your craft, your clay, and your spirit with us. And thank you to everyone who joined this unforgettable workshop.