Rain City Clay is lucky to be staffed by a group of dedicated ceramicists who work diligently to keep the studio running, who teach with passion and exuberance, and engage and build community through clay. In addition to all that they do at RCC, they also have their own clay practices, either at RCC or off-site, where they make their own work and grow their skills. Each month we will be featuring one of our fantastic staff members and their talents.

This month we are highlighting visiting artist Steph Cao (she/her)! Steph will be creating work in a dedicated studio space here at RCC from mid-June through mid-August. We are also lucky to have her teaching a wheel-throwing class this summer, along with an upcoming workshop. Please join us in welcoming Steph!

Steph’s Bio:

Steph Cao is a ceramicist who creates handmade pieces out of her studio in Seattle, WA. Her work is inspired by natural elements and mid-century modern design. The clay pot she made in her kindergarten art class sparked an interest in working with her hands and her passion for ceramics bloomed during her first college studio class in 2010.

Steph has a BFA in Architecture + Design, and a minor in Studio Arts with an emphasis in ceramics. She has had a full-time practice since 2018.

When Steph is not at the wheel, she loves to cook and bake, tend to plants, and try new crafts.

How long have you been working with clay?

I have been working with clay since 2010 and have had my own full-time studio practice since 2018. The first time I ever touched clay was in my kindergarten art class. I remember thinking the clay was magical and that I absolutely needed to make more things with clay.

What valuable lessons have you learned along your artistic journey that you wish you knew when you first began?

Clay is forever humbling and really teaches you to be flexible. So many things can happen along the process and it helps to remind myself to let go of expectations.

What are you looking forward to most about teaching at RCC?

I am looking forward to the community! It’s always nice to meet others who have an interest in clay. Something I enjoy about teaching is seeing that moment click for folks when they are first learning to throw. There are so many ways to throw and I love sharing different techniques to help people problem solve and find what works best for them.

What are your inspirations / influences when making work?

Natural elements and mid-century modern design are usually what inspires me most. I’d like to think my pieces would feel at home in a bungalow by the beach. Lately, I have been doing a lot of floral patterns and those are inspired by my 99 year old grandma who wears florals every single day. I love that we both have a shared appreciation for flowers.

When do you feel most inspired?

I used to be a night owl, but in recent years I have become very solar powered. I find myself most productive in the morning, but I think having a dog determined that for me.

What is your favorite part of the clay process?

Throwing has always been my favorite part of the process. Something about seeing a ball of clay turn into something beautiful never gets old.

What is your favorite clay tool?

I have two favorites: the small but mighty sponge, and a serrated rib. I wouldn’t be able to do anything without a sponge and a serrated rib is great for blending clay.

What is your favorite surface decorating technique?

I have been into water etching lately. I love how you can create subtle textures and there’s something meditative about sponging away the clay.

Will you tell us a little about your soda-firing journey?

I started doing the soda firings as a way to try something new. I am generally working alone in my home studio, so I thought trying out the soda-firing would be great for some more pottery community. I loved how the pieces could vary so much and how it forces you to let go of expectations. I found myself coming back for more.

Right now I love adding copper and iron washes to create landscape motifs.