Our Story

Glacier Alaskan Pottery is a small business located in Fairbanks, Alaska that developed as a result of my interest in clay.

My introduction ceramics began in 1974, at high school in Fairbanks.  I attended ceramics classes at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks until I married my high school sweet heart in 1976 and we ventured forth in a VW bus to Washington for a few years of bible college and Luthier training.  During this time I joined the Kirkland Arts Center, helped rebuild their gas fired kiln and made our first set of tumblers and bowls.  We returned to Fairbanks in 1979 and I continued with ceramics at UAF.  Eventually I decided to pursue Electronics and graduated with a degree in Electronics Engineering Technology.  This lead to a career with the Federal Aviation Administration.  I spent 30 years traveling over most of the state of Alaska to places few people get to see, even though they are born and raised here.  I kept making pots and conducting seminars while working at the FAA.  In 2013 I retired and began a new adventure as a full time potter.

Before building our studio,  I set up the potters wheel in our garage next to my car.  For a few years I drove a vehicle with clay splattered all over one side of it.  Eventually I was able to build the studio space I use today and my car is much nicer looking.

My technical training led to an off shoot business repairing and maintaining equipment for artists.  I attended kiln technician training at the Skutt factory and now work on all types of  kilns.  I’m fascinated with this aspect of the business.  Some of the projects I’ve taken on are building custom digital kiln controllers, designing and building electric, wood fire, gas and raku kilns.

I occasionally teach ceramics classes and provide demonstrations at schools and public events.  You will find my work at local galleries, the Tanana Valley Farmers Market and gift shops in Alaska.

About the Pots

The pots are made from stoneware clay fired to 2200 degrees to provide beautiful and durable ware. They are microwave, dishwasher and oven safe. But if you want your pots to outlast your grandchildren then heed the following advice.  Pottery should not be subjected to rapid extreme changes in temperature such as placing it directly in a hot oven when taken from the refrigerator.  To ensure a long life for your pottery allow it to warm to room temperature or preheat it with warm tap water prior placing it in a hot oven.  I actually test my pottery by freezing and dunking in boiling water several times to see if it will crack under the worst of conditions.  I don’t recommend that you do this though, while the pots will stand up to a great amount of temperature shock, they will eventually crack.  If you treat them well and they will last for generations.  Be nice to your pottery and it will be nice to you.

If you have any questions or comments please drop me a note using the contact form page.