Austin Snedden here, and if you’re curious about the person behind all the wonderfully tactile
creations on this site, you’ve hit the jackpot! Welcome to my pottery studio in Winter Haven,
Florida, a place that’s more than just a workspace – it’s a sanctuary where imagination takes
flight and dreams find form.
Every piece I craft – from functional bowls to abstract sculptures – reflects a deep passion for
clay and creative expression. My journey with ceramics actually began way back in elementary
school, in a small Ohio village, sparked by the mesmerizing experience of a Raku firing. That
early fascination with the transformative power of creativity totally hooked me and led to a
lifelong love affair with pottery.
Despite a “limited formal education” in ceramics (I think the best classroom is one where you
just dive in), I’ve continued to explore and evolve this art form throughout my life, with my
amazing husband, Stuart, by my side. After a detour into corporate sales and marketing (where
I definitely learned a thing or two about business), my heart kept pulling me back to the pottery
wheel.
Since ditching the corporate grind, I’ve dedicated myself to building this studio, combining my
passion for pottery with my day-to-day relationship with mental health. I’m especially passionate
about using ceramics as a tool for mental wellness. For me, pottery provides a therapeutic outlet
for managing my OCD, ADHD, and Major Depression, offering a mindful escape and a means to
express myself creatively.
My artistic adventures primarily involve two fantastic techniques. First up, the pottery wheel.
This is where I go full zen master, coaxing spinning mounds of clay into elegant forms. It’s a
delicate dance of centering, pulling, and shaping, all while trying not to make a wobbly mess.
The wheel lets me craft beautiful, balanced pieces that are both functional and a joy to behold.
Then there’s my more free-spirited side: hand building. This is where the rules get a little…
wild. Forget the spin; here, it’s all about pinching, coiling, and slab-building my way to unique,
often quirky, creations. Hand building allows me to sculpt organic shapes, experiment with
textures, and bring truly one-of-a-kind pieces to life.
At Austin Snedden Ceramics, my mission is to create an inclusive environment where creativity
and mental well-being flourish. I am about more than crafting beautiful pieces; I am about
fostering a community that values handmade artistry and mental wellness. Because honestly,
life’s too short for anything less than delightful ceramics!
What Can You Discover at Austin Snedden Ceramics?
● Commissions: Dreaming of a specific ceramic piece? Let’s make it a reality! I love
collaborating to bring your unique vision to life.
● Gallery: Take a virtual stroll through my latest work. See the forms, feel the textures
(digitally, of course!), and get inspired.
● Shop: Ready to bring a piece of handcrafted charm into your home? My shop is
brimming with treasures waiting to find their forever home.
● Classes & Workshops: Fancy getting your own hands dirty? I offer classes and
workshops locally in Winter Haven for all skill levels. It’s incredibly rewarding – and
surprisingly therapeutic! I also provide studio memberships for those who are ready to
dive deep into the world of clay.
Ready to dig deeper? Hop over to http://www.austinsneddenceramics.com to explore more.
And let’s connect! Follow me on social media and sign up for my newsletter to catch all the behind-the-scenes action, new arrivals, and maybe even a few clay-covered bloopers!
Thanks for stopping by, and I can’t wait to share more of this wonderfully messy journey with
you!
