Joey Sheehan began his explorations in clay almost 14 years ago, drawn to the material and the wheel—the way something both beautiful and functional could be created through touch and technique. Over time, his focus shifted to surface and color, experimenting with textural porcelain slips and layered glazes to achieve bright, flowing, and volatile surfaces.

As his artistic journey has evolved, so has his understanding of form and flow. While still captivated by glaze and surface, he now approaches his work with a deeper appreciation for classical shapes, studying their origins and purpose. His process embraces these traditional forms while incorporating a contemporary perspective.

In his current practice, firing in a large two-chamber wood kiln, he explores the relationship between form and fire, allowing each piece to tell its own story through function and surface. Every pot is made and placed in the kiln with intention—guided by both expectation and openness. With a desire for success and a student’s acceptance of outcome, his work continues to grow, shaped by both knowledge and discovery.