Katie Francis ( she/her )

My work is about connection. Working with clay allows me to feel grounded to the earth, connected to the material. I am deeply engaged with the elements throughout my process, methodically crafting my work while ultimately relinquishing control and allowing the kiln to decide its fate. I strive to create pieces that can record a glimpse of this process, capturing time like a photograph.

I am drawn to the quiet wonders found in nature: the repetition of flower petals, the movement of water, and the layers of sediment on a cliffside slowly eroding away. I seek to bring that same sense of discovery into my vessels through varied surfaces on each piece. I formulate glazes and use firing methods that produce earthy, varied surfaces that encourage exploration in use and draw inspiration from the landscapes that ground me.

Many of my works are soda-fired, a process that highlights the connection between maker, material, and environment. The flames carry sodium and travel between vessels, leaving behind flashes of color and shifting textures; the surface becomes a record of the process. It is a memory, capturing the dance of fire and ghostly halos of once-adjacent pots. In this space between intention and chance, I find the heart of my practice. Clay teaches me to pay attention, to accept imperfection, and to recognize beauty in what cannot fully be controlled. Through my work, I hope to bring the wonder of the natural world into daily life, inviting moments of curiosity, reflection, and appreciation in our fast-paced lives.

Originally from South Carolina, Katie Francis discovered her love for clay in college while pursuing a mathematics degree at Clemson University. After completing her program, she decided to pursue ceramics full time and has never looked back. She received her M.F.A. in ceramics at San Diego State University, and she is currently an adjunct professor teaching ceramic classes at several colleges in San Diego County. She has participated in exhibitions and craft shows across the nation and is an active member of the San Diego Potters’ Guild. She specializes in glaze chemistry and soda firing, and her works are often inspired by the natural world.