My name is Hilary Mitchell, and I’m the artist behind all the mud. I was first introduced to ceramics in Junior High School, but I really fell in love with ceramics in high-school. At that time, I was primarily a hand builder. However, between busy schedules, moves, and lack of funds, almost 14 years passed before I was able to return to pottery. When the world shut down for the Covid-19 pandemic, I felt a deep desire to return to the arts. I sought out pottery, and it has been the biggest blessing. I say pottery is my meditation time. There are of course days where the clay just doesn't want to cooperate, and on those occasions I repeat my mantra - "It's just mud!". Thus, my company name "The Muddy Potter" was born.

I primarily make ceramics using the wheel. However, I occasionally return to my hand building roots. These include large sculptural vases or coiled planters. When I want to Zen out, I mostly make utilitarian pieces like bowls, vases, pitchers, serving bowls, etc. Items that are second nature for my hands to make at this point. I also make other utilitarian pieces that require a bit more finesse like handled mixing bowls, lidded jars, cream and sugar sets, etc. When I want to challenge myself, I make teapots, handled serving trays, or Hittite Vases. I want to create beautiful, lasting pieces that people are proud to use or display in their homes.

For clay, I use High Water clay (from Asheville, NC) and try to reclaim any scraps to minimize waste. Scraps include pots that don't survive the wheel or drying process, as well as any trimmings when refining the piece. Glazes and oxides used are provided at the studio where I fire my pieces. They come in blues, greens, whites, purples, blacks, grays, browns, and many other colors in-between.