Made With a Bailey Interview Featuring Ellis White

Made With A Bailey Interview featuring Ellis White of Anvil Metal & Ceramics, Botanica Home and Garden

Website: anvilmetalandceramics.com, botanicahomeandgarden.com

Instagram: @anvil_metal_and_ceramics / @Botanica_home

Tell us about yourself, how did you get started working in clay?

"In 2018 I attended a 1 hour pottery experience workshop.  The next day I went onto craigslist and found a wheel and kiln for $500.  I stopped by the local pottery supply grabbed a box of clay and started making.  My wife and I run a home and garden retail store in San Diego called Botanica. At the time my workshop was the back of the space so I carved out a little corner for pottery making. The retail side of the shop was the perfect outlet for ceramics. Endless ideas of items to make and the possibilities to sell the work really enabled me to spend a lot of time on the wheel figuring it out."

Do you have a favorite part of the ceramic process?

Throwing on the wheel, I really enjoy the endless shapes and textures that can be created and added to my pieces.

Can you tell us about your Bailey equipment and how it helps you create your work?

"My Bailey kiln has been the most exciting and best purchase made for my studio; the previous kilns I had were manual operation. Having the digital control makes the firing process much easier and efficient.

The other big player in my studio is my Bailey slab roller. I remember those days of rolling out slabs with a rolling pin, what a work out that was. Now with my slab roller it’s a breeze rolling out slabs large enough for any project I am working on, and so fast too!

My Bailey extruder changes the dynamic of the studio for sure, I opted for the air powered one and it is a blast to use. I have been using it to make planter pots and lamp bases from the 8inch dies. I have plans on using it to make some textured tiles."

What inspires your work?

"Plants and home décor. Most of my pieces end up with a plant in them. I also have been diving into more dishware. I love making items that are used in daily life. I have a stronger connection to my work when making functional ware."

When you're not working in clay, what else do you enjoy doing?

"Renovations on our 1960s home, endless motorcycle projects, rebuilding my 1973 chevy step van, fabrication of metal plant stands and hangers for our retail store, surfing and riding my bicycle."

Do you use Bailey equipment to create your work? When posting your work on social media, remember to tag your post with #madewithabailey so we can continue to grow our Bailey clay community!